Bad Choices

Disclaimer—Don't own anything, as per usual.

A/N: First of all, thanks to Mychand for suggesting the title for this story! This is an original story (except for the title), and Hawke and Caitlin aren't together (completely) when the story begins. References are made to the S3 episodes Horn of Plenty and Kingdom Come, and to the S2 episode The Hunted. Enjoy—robertwnielsen

Summary—Caitlin and Hawke have both made a lot of bad choices recently. Can they get past their mistakes and find each other?

How am I going to explain this one? Caitlin O'Shannessy felt a nervous chill run up and down her spine as she considered what had happened to her recently. A night I'd just as soon forget, considering I allowed that bastard to seduce me, and then sleep with me. She couldn't help but remember the night she had been seduced, and then abducted by Ken Sawyer as part of a plot to use Airwolf to smuggle a batch of stolen nuclear detonators out of the country. But that's not the worst of it. Caitlin became even more depressed and nauseous as she remembered what happened after she and Sawyer had left the restaurant, the night before she was abducted while giving Sawyer a flying lesson.

He was sweet talking me so much after we left the restaurant, that I-I brought him back to my place and-and I let him sleep with me. I fell for the line of BS he was spouting—that he loved me, and wanted to be with me—hook, line, and sinker, and he was able to con me into letting him sleep with me. And String'll never forgive me for it. Fortunately for Caitlin, she wasn't pregnant. Surprisingly, at least to her, Ken had used protection, and she had seen her doctor for a pregnancy test the morning after Hawke and Dom rescued her from the ship Sawyer had held her captive on. I was so danged relieved when she told me I'm not pregnant. So at least I don't have that to worry about, thank goodness. She glanced across the hangar at Stringfellow Hawke, worried about what he would say when he found out. But how in the heck am I going to explain this to String? She dreaded that conversation, knowing that if they talked about what happened with Sawyer, it might ruin whatever chances Caitlin had at starting a relationship with Hawke. And to be honest, I'd rather be tied up on that ship with the bomb armed and ticking than be in a situation where I've gotta explain what I did to String, because at least when I was tied up like that, I knew what would happen—either String would get the bomb disarmed, or else we'd all get blown to smithereens. But with this mess I'm in right now, there are just so many questions. That's why I don't want to think about it.

String–String'll never want me that way if he knew what I did. Of course, I'm not sure he really wants me that way anyway, but once he hears about this, he'll never give me, or give us, a chance, the way I wish like heck he would. And that hurts more than anything, because of how I feel about him. Because of how much I-I love him, and how badly I-I want him. She bit her lip to try to stop the tears she felt welling up in her eyes from flowing and hoped frantically that String hadn't noticed.

What is going on with her? Stringfellow Hawke wondered as he glanced over at Caitlin. She's been anxious practically ever since we rescued her from Sawyer. She barely talks to me anymore, and for her, that's extremely strange. And when she does talk to me, she acts like she's scared about something, but she won't tell me what. Hawke remembered the kiss Caitlin had given him after she walked off the ship where Sawyer had held her captive. It didn't feel completely like a kiss of gratitude. It felt more like the kind of kiss a woman gives a man she, she loves. Is that it? Is Caitlin in love with me, and just afraid to admit it? Nah, that can't be it. Besides, Cait would no doubt say it was incredibly conceited of me to think she was in love with me, and I guess it does sound conceited, now that I think about it. But there's gotta be something else going on, but what? Something that happened when Sawyer grabbed her, maybe? Hawke wondered if he'd figured out what was bothering his friend. I have a bad feeling that what's bugging Caitlin has something to do with Sawyer, one way or another. And I'm going to figure out what it is.

Not that Hawke didn't think Caitlin was an attractive woman. Far from it, in fact. She's beautiful, Hawke admitted silently. Probably one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, if I'm being perfectly honest with myself. Ah, who am I kidding? Ever since she started wearing her hair longer, Caitlin is the most beautiful woman I've ever known. But I can't think about her that way! Not with the curse! Hawke felt like there was a curse on him—that anyone he loved, or might love, would die. But when Hawke thought about everything Caitlin had been through since she'd known him, and even things that had happened to her during her time with the Texas Highway Patrol in Pope County, he wondered if maybe he wasn't giving Caitlin O'Shannessy enough credit for her ability to defend herself.

But who am I kidding? Hawke felt himself growing embarrassed at the thoughts running through his head. There's no way Cait would want me that way, even without the curse. Hawke had made some extremely bad choices with his female companions recently, probably the worst of which was Angelica Horn, but even his most recent liaison, with the Russian defector Inge Janek, probably hadn't done anything to improve Caitlin's opinion of him. She probably thinks of me as a playboy, who can't settle down with one woman, he thought sadly. And as much as I think she wants us to be together, I can't see someone like her falling for someone like me. She-she deserves so much better. Not to mention, I don't know if she's really interested in me that way, especially after the way I've treated her recently. I mean, I know what Dom said Caitlin told her in Michael's limo, but that doesn't mean she loves me that way, does it? He glanced hesitantly across the hangar at Caitlin and noticed her gazing back in his direction.

What the heck are you thinking, Stringfellow Hawke? Caitlin was startled when she saw Hawke glance at her. She thought she saw, well, she wasn't sure what she thought she saw, but something seemed different to Caitlin when she looked back at Hawke. Must be because he's not wearing those shades of his. Even from this distance, Caitlin could see Hawke's steel-blue eyes as he stared back at her. If I'm not careful, I'm going to get lost in those eyes, even from this far away. I just wish, I wish that I could light his eyes up the way I've seen other women do. But who am I kidding? The Cowboys have a better chance of going back to the Super Bowl in my lifetime than Stringfellow Hawke does of settling down with one woman, especially me. But, I can sure dream he would, because that's how much I love him. Even with all those women he's dated recently, like Inge, and Angelica. I don't think he really had feelings for Angelica. Inge, I'm not so sure about, but I guess I'll-I'll never know. Sighing, Caitlin averted her gaze from Hawke and went back to work, lost in her thoughts.

I really should do something. Dominic Santini felt his brow furrow in frustration as he observed Hawke and Caitlin, But what? Those two have been dancing around their feelings practically since the day Caitlin came here looking for String. And, it's only gotten worse since everything happened with Sawyer, and to be honest, I'm getting sick and tired of watching it. And I know Cait's got feelings for String that are more than just friendship. She as much as told me so back in Archangel's limo. He recalled Caitlin's words when they were discussing rescuing Hawke from John Bradford Horn, and Dom declared that he would follow String's instructions and deliver Airwolf to Horn, alone.

"Dom, don't do that to me," Caitlin had told him. "I care about him, too, y'know. Probably more than you know!" Dom had often wondered exactly what Caitlin meant by that comment but had never gotten up the courage to ask her about it. Of course, I know what I hope she meant, Dom thought. I hope she meant that she loves String, even if that stubborn mule refuses to accept it, or admit how he feels about her. Silently, Dom watched his two friends and wondered for the millionth time if there was something he could do to help them acknowledge their feelings.

Uh-oh. Hawke noticed Dom's expression and immediately felt himself beginning to worry. Dom's got that look in his eyes. I sure hope to hell he's not going to start that again. Dom had been trying to get Hawke to see Caitlin as more than the good friend he already acknowledged her as practically since the day her plane back to Texas had been hijacked, but his efforts had met with failure at every turn. Why Dom can't get it through his head that I'm no good for Cait is beyond me. All he's gotta do is look at everybody else in my life. Mom and Dad, Kelly, Saint John, and Gabrielle, and he'd see that if Caitlin and I got involved that way, I'd be signing her death warrant. And I care about her too much, actually, I love her too much, to let anything happen to her. Hawke was surprised at his use of the word "love" in his thoughts as they pertained to Caitlin, but he realized it was the truth. If I ever let that out, that I love Cait, Dom would never let me hear the end of it, but I have grown to love her, a lot more than she knows. Maybe it's time to tell her exactly how I feel. Maybe, maybe it's time to tell her that I've fallen in love with her.

But look at the evidence. Almost as if in answer, a voice began talking in his head, one that Hawke had been endeavoring to squash recently, especially since they had rescued Caitlin from Sawyer.

Yeah, yeah. You think that anyone you love, or in Caitlin's case, might love, will die. But, since you brought up 'evidence,' smart guy, look at all the dangers Caitlin's been in since she met you, and survived every single time. Not to mention what she told you Bogan's boys tried to do to her back in Texas, and everything else she went through down there, before she even knew Stringfellow Hawke existed. Doesn't that mean anything to you, String? The voice asked him.

Ah, shut up. Hawke was not wanting to acknowledge that the voice had a point. Besides, I like my life the way it is, thanks so much. I like my solitude, and the time I spend alone.

Alone, the voice scoffed. Haven't you been alone long enough? C'mon, Hawke, admit it. Sometimes you do get a little lonely for more than just the 'woman of the week,' don't you?

Yeah, Hawke sighed quietly. I do. Just then, Dom walked over.

"something on your mind, String?" Dom asked.

"Nah," Hawke replied. "Well, I guess there is, yeah. I was, just thinking about some, ah, things."

"Oh?" Dom asked, suddenly interested. "What sort of, things, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Actually, yes, I do mind that you asked. But since you did, I was thinking about Caitlin." Of course, Dom wouldn't have asked if you hadn't shot off your big mouth, dummy, Hawke thought.

Now Dom was really interested. "Oh? What about Caitlin?"

"Mind your own business, Dom." Hawke hoped the tone of his voice would convey his displeasure at the topic of conversation to his old friend and surrogate father.

"Sorry, String," Dom's voice indicated his hesitance to continue talking, but his curiosity won out. "But you know how I feel about you two—" he was suddenly cut off when Hawke interrupted him.

"Yes, Dom. I know all about how you feel about Caitlin and me, and how you think we belong together. And you know just as well why it can't happen between us! I mean, do I really have to go through it all again for you, Dom?" I certainly hope not, because I'm sick and tired of talking about it.

"No, String. You don't have to go through it all again, because I've heard it so damned many times that I know it by heart, and I'm damned sick of hearing it. I just wish to holy hell you'd listen to reason for a few minutes! What happened to your parents, and to Kelly, were both accidents, for God's sake! Nobody could've stopped them, and don't forget, you could've been killed too! As for Saint John, and I know you're probably going to hate me for saying this, but we don't know what's going on with him, String! Doesn't that mean he might still be alive out there, somewhere? I don't know why you keep using him as part of this cockamamie 'curse' you think you have when we don't know where he is, for God's sake!" Dom shouted, then suddenly realized how loud his voice had suddenly become, and he hoped Caitlin hadn't heard any of his outburst.

String felt a surge of anger at Dom for his apparent dismissal of Saint John's situation, until he thought about it for a minute. Dom's right about Saint John. We don't know where he is. Have I been denying my feelings about Cait because of something I don't know a damned thing about? Aloud, String said, "Okay, Dom, I'll agree with what you're saying about Saint John, but what about—" He stopped when Dom interrupted him again.

"Stop! Stop right there, String, because if this is about Gabrielle, I've told you repeatedly that Moffett was crazy! Hell, you even said so more than once, now that I think about it! That's why you quit flying for the FIRM the first time, because you got sick of dealing with the arrogant sonofabitch! And, even if Moffett did know you two were lovers, which I highly doubt that he did; that's not why he killed her, for God's sake! Moffett killed Gabrielle because she was an obstacle to his plans, just like Angela, the crew on that Navy destroyer, those Mirage pilots, everybody who died that day at Red Star, and anybody else Moffett might have killed before we were able to stop him!" Somebody needs to tell you how arrogant that sounds, kid—you thinking Moffett killed Gabrielle because she was in love with you!

"And besides," Dom continued, completely oblivious to the murderous glare Hawke was shooting him, "let me remind you of a couple of things. Remember how Caitlin kissed you when she got off the ship? She sure as hell didn't kiss me that way, pal! And what about the look on her face when she saw you with Inge, huh? If that wasn't the expression of a very jealous woman, then I guess I don't know what was! I think I've seen enough jealous women in my time to know the expression when I see it, you know what I mean?" Dom finally stopped to take a breath and was worried that he might have pushed his best friend's younger, and more temperamental, son just a tad too far. He finally took notice of Hawke's expression, and that only made him more nervous. But, still, the fact that he hasn't stalked away from me, or hauled off and decked me, is sure different. Maybe he listened to me for a change.

"Dom, I have to admit, everything you're saying makes sense. I just wonder if I haven't screwed up any chances I might have had with Cait, with all those other women she's seen me with. For example, I do remember the look on her face when she saw me with Inge, and you might have thought Cait was jealous, but I thought she was just angry. If looks could have killed, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation, and Michael would have left here alone, because Inge and I would both be dead." Then, the little voice from earlier started talking again. Angry, jealous, what difference does it make anyway, Hawke? And anyway, why would Cait's expression have hurt Inge, if Cait wasn't jealous of the two of you? Did you ever think about that?

Good point, Hawke was forced to admit, if for no other reason than to get the little voice to shut up, at least for a while. And, maybe jealousy was making Cait angry. I just don't know. I-I guess I didn't think of that.

Well. There's only one way to find out, Hawke, the little voice said.

Will you shut up, for Pete's sake? I agreed with you, for crying out loud, what the heck more do you want?

I want you to admit how you're feeling about Cait. Admit to yourself that you love her, and that you're in love with her. And most important, you need to admit it to her.Hawke sighed as he realized the voice was right, then he heard Dom saying something else.

"Well? What the heck do you think Cait would have been angry about, under the circumstances?" I'll be damned—he really listened to me this time. Now I just wonder what the heck he's going to do about it!

Sighing, Hawke shook his head at the man who had raised him, and his older brother Saint John, since their parents had died in the accident on the lake. "You're right, Dom. Caitlin was probably jealous, even though she didn't have any reason to be. I tell you what, Dom. If it'll get you off my back for a while, I promise you that I'll think about what you said. Okay?" I remember Tell Dom more than once what an arrogant sonofabitch I always thought Moffett was, not to mention the fact that I thought he was cuckoo as a Swiss clock. I wasn't the only one who thought that about him, either. And Dom's right—Moffett is the reason I quit flying for the FIRM the first time, Hawke thought.

"You'll just think about what I said?" Hawke winced at the obvious sarcasm in Dom's tone of voice.

"I can't promise you anything more than that, Dom." Hawke hoped that the implied increased threat in his tone of voice would convey the proper message. Back off, Dominic.

"Okay, okay. I'm no fool, String. I know when to back off." He clapped String on the shoulder and went to find Caitlin. Ha. 'She didn't have any reason to be jealous,' my foot. Cait was jealous and angry when she was watching you with Inge because she's in love with you, ya dumb donkey! And I dunno why, but I get the feeling you love her, too, String, in your own way. Now, we've just gotta get you to admit it. And I dunno why, but I get the feeling you'll both be a lot happier when you do.

Hawke suddenly realized something he had seen when he glanced over at Caitlin. She was crying. Or at least, she started to cry, but she tried to hide it. What could have upset her that much? I—I hope it wasn't anything I did or said. Sighing quietly, Hawke decided he needed to figure out what had upset Caitlin so much. Because I don't like seeing her hurting like that, and if there's anything I can do to help her feel better, I'll do it, Hawke thought.

Sounds to me like the thoughts of a man in love, the little voice taunted Hawke again.

Yeah. Maybe, Hawke thought as he glanced in the direction Caitlin had gone. But I also know that, other than that time when her sorority reunion got hijacked, every time Caitlin's been in danger recently has been because she knew me.

Yeah, I suppose you're right, the voice in Hawke's head responded, but you've never let her down, no matter how dire the predicament she's ever been in.

And I hope I never do, Hawke thought, wondering what was going on in Caitlin's head.

"Hey, Cait? You got a minute?" Dom asked a short time later.

"Sure, Dom," Caitlin replied. "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you heard any of what String and I were talking about a few minutes ago, that's all." And wondering what you thought, if you did hear any of it.

"Well, I didn't hear much, but what I did hear kinda got my attention. Don't get me wrong, Dom, because I appreciate what you're trying to do. I just, I don't think it's going to work. String'll never see me that way. Especially not after—" she cut herself off abruptly, wondering if she'd inadvertently said too much.

"'Especially not after'—what, Cait?"

Oops. I did say too much. Caitlin suddenly got worried, especially when she saw Hawke out of the corner of her eye. "Um, Dom, can we go in the office? If we're going to have this conversation, I'd rather not have it out here." She glanced subtly in Hawke's direction, and Dom understood immediately. With that confounded super-hearing of his, String'd hear us even from over there, he thought. In fact, now that I see him, I wonder if String heard what we were talking about a few minutes ago. Well, we better get into the office quick, before String gets too suspicious.

"Sure, sweetheart." Dom and Caitlin walked back into the hangar together, and into the small office. String noticed them walking toward the office, and immediately started wondering what was going on. What's going on that they don't want me to know about? He wondered when he heard Dom lock the office door behind them. Must be doggone serious, if Dom locked the door, Hawke suddenly felt himself getting worried. What could they be talking about in there? Hawke thought about what he'd overheard Caitlin say a moment earlier. 'String'll never see me that way. Especially not after'—Okay, 'especially not after'—what? And what 'way' will I never see Cait in? Just more things I have to figure out, he thought as he stared at the locked door.

"Okay, Cait." Dom quickly locked the door behind them and sat down at his desk. "So, what did you mean by 'especially not after' out there? 'Especially not after'—what?"

"Dom, do you remember when Sawyer and I were dating, and I actually thought he gave a damn about me? Before he kidnapped me? Didn't you ever wonder why, that night we went out to dinner, you didn't see me the next morning?"

"Well, yeah, String and I both wondered about that. But it wasn't that big a deal. We figured you'd had a late night of it, maybe you were a little hung over, and had just overslept. We had no idea you were giving that jerk a flying lesson." Until we wound up tracking the chopper's emergency beacon in Airwolf, after that rat kidnapped you, Dom thought. I kinda wish String had been able to force Sawyer to land so that we could have beaten the holy hell out of him, instead of just blasting him out of the sky like he did, and then hauling his unconscious butt back to the ship so you could have had a few shots at him, Cait, but there's nothing we can do about that now.

"Well, Dom, there was more to it than just the flying lesson. A lot more. And, it was a real big deal." I sure wish it was as simple as oversleeping because of a hangover, she thought.

"More? What sort of 'more,' if you don't mind my asking?" Even though something tells me I really don't wanna know about it, he thought, suddenly anxious.

"Um, well, Sawyer and I, that is—we," Caitlin stammered, trying to get the words out.

"You—aw, no! Cait, tell me you didn't!" Dom suddenly made a connection with what Cait was trying to tell him. I sure hope it's the wrong one, but I don't think it is. "You mean to tell me that you slept with that rat?" That's about the nicest thing I can think to call him, if he did what I think he did to Cait, Dom thought, suddenly feeling angry. Now, I really wish String had been able to force him down, because if Sawyer raped you, Cait, I think I can guarantee that String and I both would have wanted to beat Sawyer within an inch of his miserable life. If we stopped before we killed the sonofabitch.

"Yeah, Dom, I slept with him. You and String saw what a smooth talker he was, almost an artist. Well, he sweet-talked me right into bed with him after we went out to dinner, and I fell for his baloney; hook, line, and sinker. In fact, he even brought me here to the hangar the next morning, so I could get it open before you guys got here, and before we went on the flying lesson; just so you and String wouldn't suspect what he was really doing. So, that's why I doubt String'll ever want me if—or should I say when—he finds out about that," Caitlin finished, tears streaming down her face.

"Cait, I-I don't know what to say," Dom said, shocked. "But, I do agree with you about Sawyer. He was an artist. A con artist, that is!" Caitlin forced a chuckle at Dom's play on words. That's a polite way to describe him, Dom, but it fits.

Dom continued, "Cait, what you do when you're not working here ain't none of my business; but honey, can you please tell me why you slept with that jerk? Wait a second. Caitlin, you're not—? And you weren't—were you?" Dom couldn't bring himself to say the last words on his mind, but Caitlin knew what he was going to say. And I can't even ask what I'm really wondering—did Sawyer rape Cait, or did she sleep with him willingly? I mean, I know she's saying he conned her into it, but I think I know Caitlin O'Shannessy well enough to know that she doesn't get conned easy, even by somebody as slick as Ken Sawyer. But, he thought sadly, I knew I didn't want to know what happened after they left. I just hope like heck Cait didn't wind up pregnant!

"No, Dom, I'm not pregnant, thank goodness." Caitlin smiled as Dom breathed a huge sigh of relief. "And even though I had a couple of drinks during dinner, I was stone cold sober, other than being completely hypnotized by that jerk and the line of BS he fed me about loving me, and wanting to be with me, so I can't say that he raped me. I mean, he was telling me exactly what I wanted to hear, especially since I wasn't hearing it from String the way I wanted to.

"Sawyer kept saying that he loved me; he wanted to be with me, and all that garbage. I mean, I think it's garbage now that I know what he was really like, but when he was saying it, since I wasn't hearing it from String, the way I wish I could, I bought it hook, line, and sinker, like I said before. But when Sawyer set the helicopter down, then had those men yank me out, and he left me tied up aboard that ship, I realized that he only did everything he did so I wouldn't say anything to you or String about what he was going to do, and that he didn't love me at all. Heck, he had another woman with him when he left me aboard the ship, so right then I knew he was lying, and that he only got close to me because I knew you and String, and he decided he'd use me for nothing more than a bargaining chip, as bait to get Hawke to do what he wanted. And I got the impression that if I hadn't given him what he wanted, he would've just...taken it." Caitlin's expression worried Dom. If that bastard had raped you, Cait, then String and I both would have wanted to tear him limb from limb. Or I woulda convinced him to force the bastard down, and then we could've brought him back to the ship and let you have a few shots at him, Cait. Dom fought back a surge of anger, then pulled himself back into the conversation when Caitlin spoke again.

"Heck, when I asked him about what happened that night, he looked me dead in the face and said that what we did 'didn't mean a thing.' And that's a direct quote, mind you. And that proved to me that he'd been lying to me, as if having me kidnapped, and then strapping that bomb around me wasn't proof enough. The problem was, even though I was scared out of my mind, I was mad at myself for being so naïve and gullible that I fell so hard for his lies."

Dom could see how much that memory hurt Caitlin by the tears in her eyes, and he nodded sympathetically. As bad as he hurt you, Cait, I think you really did love Sawyer, just like you loved Villars before him. But with both of them, I wonder if it was just because String's being so stubborn, and not taking a chance with you. I can see I'm going to have to have a little chat with that boy. Dom felt himself growing angry at String all over again and hoped his emotions didn't show on his face.

Uh-oh. I know that look. Dom's thinking he's going to talk to String about this. I have to stop him. "Dom, you've gotta promise me that what we're talking about in here will stay between you and me. Not word one to anybody, especially Hawke. Promise me?"

"Yeah, Cait," Dom said, looking into her tear-stained eyes. "I promise. String won't hear a word of this." How the heck did she know I was thinking about having a talk with String? Well, so much for that idea, because I sure as heck can't break Cait's confidence about this, and I won't.

"Thanks," Caitlin replied, dabbing at her eyes. "The whole thing's just so embarrassing, y'know? And I think I'd rather Hawke heard this from me, if he hears it from anybody." Which I'd just as soon he didn't.

"Yeah, I do know. And I understand. I won't say a word to String, Cait. You've got my word on that," Dom said as he glanced over Cait's shoulder, and out into the hangar. "Uh-oh. Better dry those tears as quick as you can, honey; because String's headed this way."

"Okay, Dom," Caitlin replied as she furiously wiped at her eyes. "But remember what you said."

"Don't worry, Cait," Dom replied as he walked over to the office door, "My lips are sealed." He unlocked the office door and opened it just a second before Hawke would have put his own key into the lock.

"Must be a pretty serious conversation if you locked me out," Hawke said, trying to inject a little humor into the situation. "Everything okay in here?"

"Yeah," Caitlin replied. "Everything's fine, right, Dom?" she asked.

"Yeah," Dom replied as they walked out of the office. "Everything's fine." I can't believe I just looked String in the face and lied to him. And Cait did, too. And what's worse is that I think he knows we're both lying to him. But I told Cait I wouldn't say a word about Sawyer—and I won't. I, I just hope String'll forgive me, someday.

Cait watched Hawke's expression, and immediately got worried. And, I know why I'm worried. because when he figures out that I lied to him, he's not going to be very happy with me, and it'll probably ruin our friendship, which I'd absolutely hate. because even though he doesn't know it, he's the best friend I've ever had. And if that's the only way I'll ever have String in my life—as my best friend—then I guess that's better than not having him in my life at all.

Uh-huh. Right. And you expect me to believe that? Fat chance, you two. Cait's ruined makeup, and her tone of voice both tell me she was crying about something, and that bugs me. Something's going on here, and I'm going to find out what it is, Hawke decided. Dom doesn't just lock me out of the office, and I know that Caitlin doesn't just cry like that, for no reason. The last time I saw her eyes like that, it was right after I woke up in Horn's compound, after she injected me with that antidote.

Dom immediately got worried when he saw Hawke's expression change. Uh-oh. I know that look. String's not going to let this go until he figures out what's going on here. But I can't break Cait's confidence, any more than I could break String's. I'll-I'll just have to think of something.

That night when Dom took String back to his cabin, Hawke suddenly said, "What the heck were you and Cait talking about anyway, Dom? Looked pretty serious to me."

"It was nothing, String, like we said before."

"Right, Dom. You really don't expect me to believe that, do ya? You don't just lock me out of the office like that if you're talking about 'nothing.' You never have, not in all the years we've worked together. Not only that, but I could tell Caitlin had been crying, because her makeup was ruined. So, talk to me, Dom. What were you and Cait talking about that's so secret that you can't discuss it with me and that had Caitlin so upset? And, what did she mean by 'String'll never see me that way, especially not after,' anyway? After what, for Pete's sake?"

"String," Dom said, a little more confidently, "it's none of your business, okay?" Crap, I didn't even think String would notice Cait's makeup was ruined, but it doesn't surprise me he did. Well, at least he doesn't know why she was crying. But doggone it, I knew he'd hear us! And he obviously did, since he heard Cait say he'd never see her that way. Crap, I am going to be in so much trouble!

"Okay," Hawke said. The rest of the flight passed in silence, much to Dom's relief, and they finally landed on the dock at Hawke's cabin. Dom felt relieved that String hadn't pressed him any further on what he and Caitlin had been talking about before. Phew. Dom sighed with relief as String climbed out of the chopper. Dom quickly throttled it back up and headed back towards the hangar. Almost let the cat outta the bag there, Cait. I'm really not sure how long I can keep quiet about this. Sooner or later, String's going to figure it out, I know it. And when he figures out that I've been lying to him, and that I know what's wrong with Cait, String's never going to forgive me.

As String watched Dom fly off, he wondered again what Dom and Caitlin were talking about. If you two think that I'm just going to forget everything that happened today, then you've both got another think coming! Especially you, Cait. Whatever it was, it had to be something important. Dom never locks me out of the office like that. And the way her makeup was ruined—I know Cait had been crying about something, and I know her well enough to know that she doesn't just cry for no reason. It had to be something real serious to upset her like that. Well, I suppose I'll figure it out, eventually. Sighing, he walked back into the cabin to get ready for dinner and what he hoped would be a good night's sleep.

As Hawke ate, something crossed his mind. I remember when Caitlin told me about when Horn kidnapped Dom and me, and how she helped rescue all of us. Caitlin had told String how she had fought him when he hadn't recognized her, and how she had injected him with the antidote Michael had given her. That took a lot of guts, Hawke thought. And like I thought before, I know she can take care of herself—she proved as much with that kick to my chest. Hawke winced as he remembered the combat boot-shaped bruise he'd had on his chest for a week after they rescued him. When she does get in over her head, she's got Dom, me, and the Lady backing her up. So maybe—maybe I don't have to worry about that curse so much, at least where Caitlin's concerned.

As he fell asleep later that night, Hawke decided what he would do. I'm going to see if Dom's right, and Cait really does feel the way Dom thinks she feels about me. Satisfied, Hawke allowed himself to quickly fall asleep, and wasn't surprised when Caitlin's face appeared in his thoughts, as it had been more often recently.

Caitlin, meanwhile, was wrestling with her own frustrations over what had happened at the hangar that day. because I know String. And I know he's not going to stop until he figures out what's been bugging me so much lately. And I-I'm not sure I can handle that. because once he does figure it out, and when he knows what happened with Sawyer and me, he's never going to want to speak to me, or do anything else with me, ever again. She quickly finished the small dinner she'd fixed for herself, then went into her bedroom, lay down on her bed, and cried for hours, trying to cleanse as much of the hurt from her soul as she possibly could. When String said 'Must be a serious situation if you locked me out,' he didn't know how serious it was. And I don't want him to know how serious it was. But there's only one way I can be sure that he won't find out what happened. I-I guess maybe it's time. Time to go, home. Back to Texas. She closed her eyes again and fell into a fitful and dreamless sleep. But there's his face again, Caitlin thought as Hawke's smiling face intruded on the front of her thoughts again. It's almost like-like he's telling me not to go. Finally, she felt sleep completely claiming her.

The next day, Caitlin was the first to arrive at the hangar, as usual. One of these days, I oughta show up late, just to tick String off. But, wait. There aren't going to be that many days anymore. because I decided last night that as soon as I can, I'm going home. Texas home. And I ain't coming back for anything or anybody. That's, that's the only way I can keep String from finding out what happened. She tried to focus on getting the hangar open for business, but Hawke's face kept intruding on her thoughts. His gorgeous face, just like last night before I fell asleep. And, I wound up seeing him in my dreams again, like I have so often lately. What's it going to feel like, not coming in here and seeing his face every day? And then there's that smile of his. The few times I've ever seen him smile at me, it's absolutely taken my breath away, not to mention made me weak in the knees. Can I-can I just up and leave here? Leave Hawke? And besides, the first words outta Mom's mouth, if I do go back home, will probably be something like 'See? I told ya so, Caity girl!', or something like that. Not to mention she and Erin would probably both want to fly right the heck back out here and beat the snot outta String for treating me the way he has been. I mean, heaven knows Mom's been bugging me to come home practically since the hijacking, along with bugging me about String and the way he treats me, and her continuous rant about finding a good man and having babies someday. And I don't want to give her the satisfaction of being right about String. Not to mention, I don't want to have to explain how I met that rat bastard Sawyer, and how he conned me into letting him sleep with me. She suddenly cut herself off as she heard a helicopter approaching, then noticed the familiar patriotic Santini Air paint job. Dom, and Hawke, she thought, walking out to greet them as she had done so many days before.

As Hawke saw Caitlin walking out to greet the helicopter, he thought about what he was going to do, and decided he'd made the right decision, before Dom picked him up. Well, here goes nothing. He smiled as he climbed out of the helicopter, a warm, friendly smile directed at Caitlin. "Morning, Cait," Hawke said to her, startling her.

"Oh! Um, Morning, Hawke." Caitlin hoped her tone of voice didn't give away her emotions at Hawke's unexpected greeting, not to mention the smile that went along with it. What on Earth is going on with him? Hawke's never said 'Good morning' to me first like that. At least, not without Dom saying something about it, or giving String a swift elbow to the ribs. And there's that smile again. The smile that makes me go weak in the knees. Suddenly, Caitlin found herself reconsidering her plans to leave her job and go home to Texas. Maybe—maybe I was a bit hasty. I mean, like I thought before they got here, I don't want to give Mom the satisfaction of being able to say 'See, I told ya so, Caity girl!' as soon as she sees that I came home, especially when I tell her the reason I've come back, after some of the nasty things she's told me about String. Not to mention the fact that I don't wanna just up and leave Dom, because I love him like he was family—which, in a way, he is. 'Course, on the other hand, if I'm wrong, my heart's going to be shattered into a billion pieces, at least, but doggone it, I have to know one way or the other. So I'll stay—for a while. At least, until I can figure out what the heck is going on in that gorgeous head of String's, even though I'm not real sure I want to know what it is.

Mission accomplished. Hawke stifled another smile when he noticed Dom and Caitlin's startled expressions. He'd decided before Dom came to the cabin to pick him up that he'd try to be nicer to Caitlin, or at least nicer than he'd been to her in a long time. It can't hurt. And besides, I'd bet Cait will appreciate it. At least, I hope she does. He glanced over at Dom and noticed Dom's expression turn to a smile. Somehow, I thought you'd be happy, Dom. As the day went on, Hawke continued trying to be nicer to Caitlin, and Dom became more confused throughout the day, and finally at lunch time, when String bought lunch for Caitlin, Dom decided he had some questions for his younger surrogate son.

"Okay. I want some answers, pal, and I want them now! Who the hell are you, and what the hell have you done with Stringfellow Hawke?" Dom had seen String—or at least, the guy who looked, and sounded like String—being nicer to Caitlin than he could ever recall, including buying her lunch that afternoon, and Hawke's attitude had Dom confused, to say the very least. "You're not acting like yourself, buddy." Boy, that's an understatement. He's almost acting charming toward Cait. And I must admit, I like it! And I know Cait does. I could see it on her face when we got here this morning, and then a little while ago when String bought Cait's lunch. And I haven't seen String smile like that for a very long time. In fact, even though I know String would kill me if I said it, the last time I saw String smiling like that, it was after I met Gabrielle back at the cabin.

"I know, Dom. I just, I think I need to be nicer to Caitlin, y'know?"

That's what I've been trying to tell you, ya dumb, stubborn donkey! Dom felt himself hoping his emotions weren't apparent on his face, like they obviously had been a few minutes ago, when Cait told Dom she wasn't pregnant. Aloud, he said, "Any particular reason?"

"Well, Dom, since I know you won't leave me alone until I explain myself, I've been—thinking about what we talked about the other day," Hawke said after he carefully looked around to make sure Caitlin was nowhere within earshot. "And, you were right. We don't know what's going on with Saint John, and goodness knows, Caitlin's perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Like she told that guy on the plane, she knows karate, and she gives free samples." And you felt one of those free samples not long ago, String. Hawke found himself unconsciously wincing as he remembered the bruise that Caitlin's combat boot had left on his chest for two weeks after his rescue from John Bradford Horn. "And, I've been doing some thinking—you remember after the hijacking, how you kept trying to tell me that Caitlin might have been on that plane even if she didn't know me? Well, I have to admit, just like what you said about Sinj the other day, you're right, Dom. Caitlin could very well have left Texas for some other reason, and still been on Flight 093, even if she'd never met me. I mean, she's said as much a lot of times before—how she was getting so frustrated with her mother that she thought about leaving, even before she met me. And like you said, if she hadn't known me, and still been on that plane, she most likely would've died. I-I guess I've just been so paranoid about that curse that I never thought about it that way before."

"So, what's the bottom line here, String?" Finally! Dom thought. He finally admitted that I was right! Dom recalled how many times Caitlin had told both he and String about the many times that she had threatened to leave Texas because she was so frustrated with her mother. More than once, she told us, Dom thought, then pulled himself back into the present when String spoke again.

"The bottom line is, Dom, I'm, I'm going to see if Cait's as interested in me as you seem to think she is. Because—and I never thought I'd say this again after Gabrielle—I think, I really think I'm in love with Cait, Dom. And unless I'm completely misinterpreting what you said that Cait told you in Michael's limo, I have the feeling that she feels the same way about me. So, I'm going to see if you're right about how she feels about me." Hawke wasn't surprised when Dom grinned widely. Somehow, I knew you'd be excited, Dom.

"I never thought I'd live to see this day, String!" Dom said happily, before he grabbed String in a manly hug. "And, don't you worry, String. I promise, this'll stay between you and me, buddy!"

"What will stay between you and String, Dom?" came a voice from behind them both. Oh, no. How much did she hear?

"Um, nothing, Cait," Dom said hesitantly. Crap. I totally wasn't paying attention, and obviously, String wasn't, either. I mean, she just walked right up to us, and neither one of us had any idea she was coming. I sure hope she didn't hear what String was Tell me!

"Okay, Dom, if you insist." Caitlin's expression told Dom that she didn't buy what he was telling her. I'm sorry, Cait, but I'm not going to break String's confidence any more than I'd break yours. So, it looks like I'm going to be keeping secrets from both of ya. And I just hope you guys can forgive me, someday.

"String?" Caitlin asked a few hours later, "What were you and Dom talking about when I came up to you earlier?" Especially when Dom hugged you like that, String. He doesn't do that unless he's got a really good reason. And when he said, "I never thought I'd live to see this day, String!" What in the heck did he mean by that?

"It was nothing, Cait," Hawke assured her. "I was just telling Dom about—something I decided recently, that's all." Cait, you can't know what's going on in my mind, at least, not yet.

"Okay, well, then why the big secret? Whatever you decided can't be that important, can it, String?" Something in Hawke's expression made Caitlin wonder exactly what he was thinking of.

"I guess that depends, Cait."

"Depends? On what?" Caitlin demanded.

Uh-oh. Think fast, Hawke! "Um, nothing, Cait." Whoops. Almost said too much there, big mouth, Hawke winced when he realized just how closehe'd come to spilling the beans. And I know Cait. She won't stop until she figures out what the heck I'm thinking about. That's one of the many things I love about her—that stubborn streak and her tenacity. Or, is that two things? Or, does it even matter? Something in Caitlin's eyes told Hawke that she didn't buy what he had just told her, though.

Uh-huh. Right. If you think I buy that line, then buster, you've got another think coming! I'm going to figure out what's going on in your head if it's the last thing I do, Stringfellow Hawke! because whatever the heck you 'decided,' as you put it, made Dom happier than I've seen him in a long time. And I'm not going to give up digging until I figure out what it is! Her mind made up, Caitlin felt an enormous sense of satisfaction combined with anticipation, and dread, at finding out what Hawke had 'decided.' So now, I guess I will be staying here for a while, at least until I can figure out what's going on in that gorgeous head of String's, she thought.

I know that look. She's determined she's going to figure out what's going on with me. Well, won't she be surprised. Then, Hawke had a thought that decidedly disturbed him. What if I'm wrong, and she doesn't feel that way about me? What if she doesn't love me the way I think she does? I guess, I guess I'll deal with that when the time comes. Hawke was thinking about his plans as he got ready for Dom to take him home.

"So, String. Any thoughts on how you're going to do this?" Dom asked as they headed back towards the cabin.

"Oh, I'll be starting soon enough," Hawke said, smiling over at Dom. "And you'll know when I start, trust me. Just do me a favor and try to be patient, okay?"

"Okay, okay," Dom said. String, you know that ain't going to be easy for me!

"Let's just say you'll know when I get things rolling," Hawke said mysteriously as the cabin came into view. By the time he'd gotten out of the helicopter, Hawke knew he'd gotten Dom's imagination working overtime. Just be patient, Dom. Even though I know how tough that's going to be for you. Everything will be obvious real soon, I promise.

That night as he ate dinner, something occurred to Hawke. Could Caitlin be the woman I'm supposed to be with? I mean, she, she gets me, like no other woman ever has. Including Kelly and Gabrielle. Could I—could we—be missing out on something, wonderful, because I'm being too stubborn to acknowledge how I feel? Once again as he fell asleep, Hawke found Caitlin's face at the forefront of his thoughts. Her beautiful face. Hawke smiled at the vision as he felt sleep finally claim him.

The Next Afternoon, Santini Air...

Dom had seen a lot in his lifetime, but what he'd seen from String today had to be more than even he expected. When they'd gotten to the hangar that morning, Hawke walked right up to Caitlin and hugged her, for no reason whatsoever. Good thing the doc just told me my heart's still hitting on all eight, or what I just saw coulda given me a heart attack! But I have to admit, I liked what I saw! And something in Caitlin's expression told Dom that she liked what Hawke had just done, too.

"What on earth was that for, String?" Caitlin asked Hawke.

"No reason," Hawke replied. "You, ah, you don't mind, do you?"

"Of course, I don't mind," Caitlin replied, smiling up at him. "In fact, I kinda wish you'd do that a lot more often." She hugged String back and sighed happily as they held each other for a moment, and Dom recalled the smile Caitlin had given Hawke just then. String, if you don't know what that smile, or that sigh meant, then Alan and I musta done a real crummy job teaching you about girls! Caitlin's in love with you, boy!

As the day went on, though, Dom noticed Hawke doing exactly what Caitlin had hinted at—he began touching her a lot more often, and not in a friendly way like Dom had seen happen so many times before. Hawke would walk up next to Caitlin and slide his arm around her waist for no reason, for example. The first time he did it, though, Caitlin's reaction was exactly the opposite of what Hawke had expected—she reacted like someone had just grabbed her from behind—but as soon as she realized it was Hawke's arm around her waist, she relaxed immediately and said, "Well, hello to you, too, String."

"Sorry if I startled you, Cait. You don't—?"

"No, I don't mind," Caitlin smiled up at him, having anticipated his question. "I just, wasn't expecting it, that's all. But I did like it." 'Like it'? Ha. 'Like it' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now, with String's arm around me. I love feeling his arm around me like this. And it makes me, want more, she thought, suddenly embarrassed at just how much more she wanted. But, Caitlin knew it would never be. In fact, she figured this might be one of the last times Hawke ever even put his arm around her, once her secret came out. because I know what Sawyer did to me is going to come out, eventually, she thought, and then this'll all be over. because String–String'll never give me any more than this, once he finds out about Sawyer and me. Heck, once Hawke finds out what happened between Sawyer and me, I'll never even feel his arm around me again, let alone feel him touch me any other ways, like the way, the way that I want him to. She tried to keep her sigh from being heard, but she hadn't counted on String's super-sensitive hearing.

"Caitlin? You okay?" Hawke asked, suddenly concerned.

Aw, nuts! Dang that super-hearing of Hawke's anyway! Aloud, she said, "It's, it's nothing, String. Just, got a lot on my mind, y'know?"

"Okay, Caitlin," Hawke immediately recognized Caitlin's tone of voice. None of your business, Hawke. So, I'll leave it alone. For now. But I'm not done worrying about you yet, Caitlin. Not by a long shot! Because I've got a funny feeling that your sigh a minute ago is connected with the reason you were crying the other day, whatever the hell that was. And I'm going to figure out what that was, too.

Dom had to bite his tongue to control his excitement at what he'd just seen. Okay, I get it. String told me I'd know when he got things rolling, and I guess I do! And like I thought before, I sure like what I see! Still, Dom couldn't help but worry about what would happen when Cait's night with Sawyer, along with String's recent indiscretions, fully came out. But then again, neither String nor Cait knew how the other felt. So, maybe that'll help. I sure hope so! Dom tried to silence the voice in his head as he went back to work.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Dom began noticing Hawke trying to spend as much time as possible with Caitlin—buying her lunch every chance he had, and always smiling—Dom remarked at one point, "That boy's been smiling more in the last few days than he has in the last year!" And heaven knows he's a heckuva lot easier to deal with. He's almost like he was back before Kelly died, or like he was the day I flew up to the cabin and met Gabrielle. I just wonder...nah, that can't happen! Or, can it? Dom felt his thoughts turning to String. Why can't you admit what's obvious to me, Michael, Marella, and everybody else who sees you and Caitlin together? That you're in love with her, too? I think you'd both be a helluva lot happier if you'd just admit your feelings, String!

"I know, Dom," Caitlin said. "I just wonder who put that smile there." And I wish to heck it was me that had done it, because I wonder if String knows what that smile does to me. She couldn't help but remember how every time she'd seen him smile at her, she'd gone absolutely weak in the knees. Caitlin noticed Dom didn't answer her right away, and she couldn't help but recall a few weeks earlier, after Hawke and Dom had rescued Bobby Phelps and his father Robert from kidnappers, how Bobby had handed over a pencil sketch he had done. "I drew a picture for you!" Bobby had said, just before he walked over to his sketch pad to retrieve the sketch he'd done of Hawke.

"You look good smiling!" Bobby said.

"Well, y'know, Bobby, this is real good," Hawke answered him. "I just don't think I'm the 'model' type."

"You look good, when you smile!" Bobby insisted. And, I remember looking at Bobby and thinking, 'you're danged right he does, Bobby!' Just then, she heard Dom talking again, which brought her out of her reverie.

"I dunno, sweetheart." Dom smiled at her and hoped that his tone of voice hadn't given away the fact that he was lying. I just lied to her again. But, I kinda have to. If I told Cait what I knew, String would never forgive me.

"By the way, Cait, I've been meaning to ask you something. How the heck did you know I was thinking about talking to String the other day?"

"Dom, it was written all over your face," Caitlin said with a smile directed at him.

That figures. "Okay, Cait. I was just curious, that's all."

"I know. No worries, Dom." He smiled at Caitlin as they got back to work.

Just before Dom took String home, he pulled Cait aside. "Cait, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Dom."

"How did you feel about Sawyer, and Villars? Really?"

"I—I thought I loved them, Dom, especially Sawyer, at least in the beginning when I first met him. But I realize now that as much as they both used me, I was just using both of them to try and forget about String, which is never going to happen, because even though I doubt he's ever going to love me, I'll always love him, and always be in love with him."

"Sorry, Cait, I didn't mean to upset you." I knew it, Dom thought, excitedly, as he remembered his suspicions from a few weeks ago.

"Nah, you didn't upset me, Dom. After all, like my daddy used to tell my sister Erin and me, 'the only stupid question is the one you never ask.'"

"Funny your dad told you and your sister that, Cait, because String's dad and I both told String and Saint John the same thing when they were kids. Anyway," he said, noticing String coming out of the office, "G'night, Cait."

"G'night, Dom, String," Caitlin said, just before she got into her car.

"G'night, Cait," Hawke said, surprising her. She watched Hawke and Dom climb into the chopper and take off for the cabin, then she got into her car and headed home.

As she drove home that night, Caitlin's mind was buzzing with curiosity over Hawke's new attitude. What's gotten into you, Stringfellow Hawke? You're being charming, for maybe the first time since I've known you. And, I have to admit, I like it. A lot. And, I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make sure that this new Stringfellow Hawke sticks around, because as much as I loved him before, I think I love him even more now. But, if—I mean when—he finds out what happened with Ken and me that night, he'll probably hate me for the rest of his life. And I know I couldn't handle that. As she tried to fall asleep that night, Caitlin felt herself growing increasingly anxious at what would happen when String finally found out about her and Sawyer.

Caitlin couldn't get the picture of Hawke's face out of her mind. He's had that light in his eyes again recently, she thought. The one that, I wish I could put there. And I'd sure like to know who the heck has put that light in his eyes, so I could claw hers out! Caitlin felt a surge of anger and jealousy as she pictured Hawke out on a date with yet another one of the women he so carelessly flaunted in front of her. Like Inge, she thought, remembering how Hawke had embraced the Czech defector. I mean, I get that Hawke saved her life, so she wanted to hug him, but I got the feeling they did something more. I'm just glad Michael got her away from the hangar and away from String before I completely lost my temper. because that would have been so embarrassing. Then, Caitlin recalled how much more physically affectionate String had been the last few days. When did String get so touchy-feely? She wondered. Not that I mind,she thought as she finished the dinner she'd fixed for herself, it's just so unlike him. But, I sure hope it doesn't change, because I love it when String holds me in his arms like that! As she fell asleep that night, Caitlin said a silent prayer. God? Whatever has changed in String these past few days, could you please help not change it back? because I love this new Stringfellow Hawke even more than I did before, and I don't want him to go back to the way he was before. And if it's possible, God, I'd—I'd like it if String would open himself even more to me. Anyway, thanks for listening, God. She sighed happily as she fell asleep, not surprised when Hawke's smiling face filled her thoughts again.

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Hawke was wondering how Caitlin felt about his change in attitude. She seems to appreciate it, but I don't know. It's like, like she's worried about something. Of course, I guess I can understand that, with everything I've done that indicates I'm not interested in her—at least, until recently. And when she finds out about what happened with both Inge and Angelica, I'll bet she's not going to want to have anything to do with me. So I'll just have to keep that a secret for as long as I possibly can. But I think it's time to put the next part of my plan into action. As he fell asleep that night, Hawke began considering the next steps he would take. If my memory serves me right, Dom's got a parts order coming in tomorrow, so that'll be the perfect time to start the next step in my plan, he thought as he fell asleep.

"Where the heck is String?" Dom asked Caitlin the next afternoon. String's been gone at least an hour, and I know the supplier usually doesn't take that long to get a parts order organized and ready for String to bring back here. Maybe he stopped off for lunch, or something, Dom thought.

"I dunno, Dom," Cait replied. "You sent him out after those parts at least an hour ago, didn't you?"

"Yeah. At least," Dom said, suddenly growing concerned. "Well, why don't we take a little break, while we wait for him?"

"Sounds good, Dom," Caitlin replied as Dom walked into the office, and came back a moment later with two sodas, handing one to Caitlin.

"Cait," Dom said a few minutes later, "Something's been bugging me for a while now. In Michael's limo, when you said, 'I care about him, too, y'know, probably more than you know;' what exactly did you mean?"

"You couldn't tell?" Caitlin asked, shocked. "I meant that I love String, Dom. And not just the way two good friends love each other, either. I mean, I do love String that way, but it goes a heckuva lot deeper than that. Y'know what I mean?"

I knew it. Dom suppressed a smile when he heard that what he'd thought that day was right. "Well, sweetheart, I kinda thought that's what you meant, but I wasn't about to go assuming anything—because like I always told String and Saint John: 'Never assume anything. because it just makes an ass out of you, and me!" He smiled at Caitlin, and she smiled warmly back at him.

"That's good, Dom," she said. "You mind if I borrow that sometime?" Although, Daddy used to tell Erin and me the same thing all the time when we were kids, so is it really borrowing it? Caitlin wondered.

"Be my guest, sweetheart, especially if you're talking to String!"

"Thanks."

"By the way, Cait, I've been meaning to tell you something—String noticed your makeup was ruined the other day when we were in the office together, and, he heard you say, "String'll never see me that way, especially not after"—, before you suggested we go in there. I didn't even know he'd seen that your makeup was ruined until he mentioned it when I took him home that night. So if I know String, he's going to keep digging until he figures out why your makeup was ruined that day, and what you meant by that comment."

"I was afraid of that, on both counts. But, I've got my own mystery to solve—who the heck has put that light in String's eyes lately? He's been smiling more the past few days than he has almost since I've known him! And what the heck has he 'decided,' that he was Tell you about, anyway?"

Uh-oh, Dom thought. I better think of something fast. "Y'know, Cait, I really wasn't paying that much attention. Sorry, but I don't know."

"Oh, come on, Dom! You don't seriously expect me to buy that, do ya? You sure seemed to know what String had decided the other day. I haven't seen you that happy since I can't remember when!"

"Well, Cait, you know what they say—at my age, the memory's one of the first things to go!"

"Whatever you say, Dom." Something in her expression told Dom that Cait didn't buy that explanation, either. Dom, you've always had a great memory, and I haven't seen any reason to think you're losing it, she thought, exasperated. But I'm worried, because String's been gone way too long.

Dom was relieved when Caitlin suddenly changed the subject. "I'm getting worried, Dom. String's been gone way too long. You think I should go and try to find him myself?"

"Nah. He'll be back. Maybe they just had trouble finding the order, or something like that. It's happened to me before, and besides, it's not like we're that busy around here."

"That's true," Caitlin said as she looked around the empty hangar.

"By the way, Cait, how the heck did you know I was wondering if you were pregnant?"

"I recognized that expression you get when you want to ask String, or me, a question, but you're not sure how to do it. It's okay, Dom. And just for the record, if you want to ask me a question, and I mean any question, even about this mess with Sawyer, feel free. I mean, it's like Daddy told Erin and me, 'the only stupid question is the one you never ask.'"

Figures, he thought. "Okay, Cait. I was just wondering, y'know. And it's funny that your dad taught you and your sister that, Cait, because Alan and I taught String and Saint John both the same thing." Dom smiled at the memory of Hawke's father.

"Yeah, I understand, Dom. And, Daddy told us 'never assume anything', too, just like you and String's dad taught String and Saint John. Guess you, String's dad, and my dad had a lot in common."

"Yeah, I guess so," Dom agreed. "Y'know, Cait, I swear the last time I saw String as happy as he's been recently was the time I flew up to his cabin and found Gabrielle there." Dom noticed Caitlin's expression change. "Sorry, Cait. I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't upset me, Dom. I know how much Hawke loved Gabrielle—you've told me about it. I just wish he'd figure out that it'd be okay if he loved me that way."

"I know, kid. And, y'know, I've been thinking—I get the feeling that Gabrielle would want String to open his heart to somebody again—kinda like Kelly did."

"Kelly?"

"Yeah, the one who was killed right before String left for 'Nam. He's talked about her before—about how, just before she died, she told String that if anything happened to her, she wanted him to find love again."

"I remember, now that you mention it," Caitlin said, smiling. "And, I know I want to be the one who gives String that kind of love, if he'd just let me."

"I know, sweetheart," Dom said, sighing.

They sat and made small talk about where String might be for a few more minutes, until Dom noticed a man carrying the biggest bouquet of roses he thought he'd ever seen in his life. "Delivery for, ah, Caitlin O'Shannessy?" the man asked.

"That's me," Caitlin set down her soda and stood up. "Oh, my!" The sheer size of the bouquet startled Caitlin. "They're beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen a bigger bouquet of roses!" She took the flowers from the delivery man and handed them over to Dom, then quickly signed for them and gave the delivery man a nice tip. "Thank you, ma'am," he said just before he walked away.

"So, who sent you the flowers, Cait?" Dom asked, curious. I know I've never seen a bouquet that big–there's got to be two dozen roses in there, at least! But I want to know who the heck sent them!

"Good question, Dom." Caitlin's expression turned to a frown as she searched for a card. "because I don't see...Aha. Found it!" She smiled when she finally produced the small white envelope. Caitlin opened it anxiously, but was disappointed when she found only two words printed on the small card inside: Dinner tonight?

"So?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Dom." Caitlin sighed as she handed Dom the small card that came with the roses. But I know who I wish they were from. And, I'll bet Dom wishes they were from String, too. But that's just dreaming,' so I shouldn't let it get me so down. Besides, she thought, remembering what Dom had told her before the flowers came, the last thing I wanna do is look like an ass in front of Dom, and especially in front of String, wherever the heck he is.

Darn it, Dom could barely hold his disappointment when he saw no signature on the card. I was really hoping String would've done this! But I should know better. Guess Cait's got a secret admirer out there. Boy, String will not be happy to hear that. I don't think I want to be around when whoever sent those roses gets her to pick Cait up for her date, either, because of how I'm afraid String will react. Just then, he heard a car driving up to the hangar, and was relieved when he saw Hawke step out of the Santini Air jeep. "It's about time you got back, String!" Dom said. "I was beginning to worry about you, and so was Cait! She was about ready to take off and go find you herself, but I talked her out of it!"

"Sorry, Dom," Hawke began handing over the boxes with the parts Dom had ordered, "but things took a little longer than I thought they would." Aha. String felt himself trying to mask a smile as he noticed that the flowers had arrived. I see the reason I ran so late is here already. Wonder what Cait's thinking about that? Hawke tried to mask his emotions with the stoic expression that Cait and Dom were both so familiar with, even though he wanted nothing more than to smile at Caitlin and reveal his secret. Later. I'll let Cait know what I'm doing before she leaves tonight.

"Okay, String," Dom said, but his mind was racing, especially when he saw String trying to hide a smile when he saw Caitlin's roses. String, you didn't. Or did ya? He knew what he was thinking would probably get him into no end of trouble with String, especially if he was wrong, but Dom couldn't deny the thoughts in his head—that String had been the one to send those roses to Caitlin, and that was the reason he'd been so late getting back to the hangar. I sure hope so, because I got a feeling Cait's thinking, and hoping, the exact same thing. And I got another very bad feeling about all this. I dunno if she can take it if she's wrong, and String didn't send those flowers.

Sighing, Dom realized he'd have to wait until they closed the hangar to see who Caitlin's new admirer was. Surprisingly, he managed find a vase and put Caitlin's flowers in water, but something still didn't seem right to him. Why isn't String upset about Cait getting roses from some guy? Unless—Dom decided to put his thoughts aside until he had some more hard evidence, but he thought he knew what was going on—and he realized that if he was right, he couldn't be happier. But Cait'll be even happier than I am, if I'm right and String sent those flowers, like I think he did. On the other hand, I don't even want to think about what's going to happen if I'm wrong. I mean, at the very least, Cait'll quit working here and head back to Texas, and whether String wants to admit it or not, that'd just kill him. And if Cait leaving didn't kill String, or she didn't kill him herself before she left, then I just might kill him! Because I've grown to love that little gal just like she was my daughter, and it drives me nuts the way String's been treating her. At least, until recently. Something just doesn't add up here, and I don't like it. Not one bit. But, I'll just wait and see, like Cait. It's not like I've got any other choice. Dom realized as he got back to work. That's why Mama always said I'd never be a doctor, because I've got no patients—err—patience!

Now that I think about saying something to String—bad idea. Very bad idea. Because, Dom remembered what he told Caitlin a few minutes ago, if I'm wrong, I'll look like a complete ass in front of Cait and String, and String'll never let me hear the end of it. So I'll just wait and see—and hope like crazy. And I'll bet Cait'll be hoping the same thing.

String could barely keep from smiling every time Caitlin walked over to smell her flowers. Suddenly, she turned to him and saw him trying to hide his smile. "String, you were gone an awful long time today. You, ah, wouldn't happen to know who sent those flowers, would ya? Because I know there's a florist not too far from that place Dom sent you to pick up those parts."

"Sorry, Cait," Hawke lied. "I don't have the vaguest idea." When she figures out I'm lying to her, Cait's gonna be so mad, he thought anxiously.

"Aha. Right. You don't seriously expect me to believe that, do ya?" Hawke didn't respond, which only furthered the questions running through Caitlin's mind. Why the heck is String not unhappy that I got a huge bouquet of flowers from a secret admirer, who wants to take me to dinner tonight? She wondered.

"Whether you believe it or not, doesn't matter to me, Caitlin." I can't believe I just looked the woman I love in the face and lied—twice. I sure hope she can forgive me after that, Hawke thought, suddenly worried as he went back to work.

Caitlin's mood had decidedly soured as they closed the hangar. Okay, so where's the guy? She had figured that whoever had sent those flowers would be at the hangar to pick her up, and she was anxious about having to turn down a date in front of Dom and Hawke again. because after everything that happened with that bastard Sawyer, I'm not real crazy about going out with anybody, unless that somebody was named Stringfellow Hawke. He's about the only person I'd go out with right now, but that's just dreaming. I mean, I trust String with my life, just like Dom does, and like String trusts Dom and me both with his. And I know String would never take advantage of me the way Ken did, or do any of the other things that Ken did. That's one of the reasons I, I love String so danged much. Because I know he'd never do anything to hurt me. But I suppose I better face reality. String doesn't, or won't, feel the same way about me that I do about him, and that's never going to change. And the sooner I accept that, the sooner I'll be able to move on with my life, and maybe find a man who can love me, and who I can love in return. But anybody I might fall in love with is going to have to accept the fact that I'm not a virgin, and I don't know how that's going to sound, especially to a lot of the guys I know from back in Pope County. And anyway, who the heck am I kidding? Like I told Dom before, I'll always love, and always be in love with String, even if he's too stubborn to see how much I love him, and that it'd be okay if he'd love me back!

Caitlin fought to control the wave of tears that her thoughts had generated, knowing that her date was going to be there any minute. Wouldn't do me any good if whoever it was saw me crying. That could end this date before I even get the chance to tell the guy—whoever the heck he is—that I'm not interested.

"You ready to go, String?" Dom asked. He was worried about Cait but tried not to let his concern show too much. Boy, I hope whoever wants to take Cait out gets here soon. And again, Dom allowed himself to think that String had been the one to send Caitlin the flowers, and that he was trying to work up the courage to ask Caitlin out. I sure hope like heck that I'm right, and that String's the one who sent Cait's flowers, but if I'm wrong, I've got a sinking feeling that Cait'll walk outta here and we'll never see her again, unless I can talk String into getting the Lady and going after her. And now that I think about it, String's been acting awful strange, ever since he saw those flowers Cait got. Wonder what that's about? Then, he heard String say he had 'plans tonight,' and Dom's heart skipped a beat. Plans? I sure hope you mean plans with Cait, buddy, or she'll never forgive you! And, neither will I!

"Um, not yet, Dom. I forgot to tell you, I've got plans tonight." Hawke said, startling both Dom and Caitlin. Take it easy, Dom. Hawke was worried when he noticed Dom's expression. At least, I hope I do. And, here goes nothing. Actually, here goes everything. After a few moments when Hawke was building up his courage, he turned towards Caitlin and asked, "Cait? Dinner tonight?"

When she heard String say, "I forgot to tell you, I've got plans tonight," Caitlin turned and began walking to her car, so she wouldn't break down in tears in front of String. That figures, she thought angrily. He's going out with another one of his women, and I'm going to be spending another night alone. Then, she heard him say, "Cait? Dinner tonight?" Caitlin froze in her tracks as she felt her heart jump directly into her throat. God in Heaven! What did he say? She slowly turned around to see Hawke smiling at her. She swallowed hard a couple of times and finally was able to say, "What? String, did you just ask me out for a date?" But he—he said he had plans tonight! Or did he mean, plans with me?Caitlin suddenly felt her heart jump into her throat as she considered the possible meaning of Hawke's question, but then she remembered—oh, no. The flowers. Whoever sent them is going to be here any minute. Dang my lousy luck anyway! String finally asked me out, and I've got to turn him down! Unless by some miracle he's the one who sent those roses, but what are the odds of that? Never mind—I know the answer to that. Slim, and none. And I'm afraid slim already walked out the door, Caitlin thought, fighting tears again as she waited for Hawke to answer her.

"Yeah, Cait. I did. So, would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?" And I've got another surprise for you, Hawke thought as he waited for her answer.

The longer she went without saying anything, the more worried she became that Hawke would just forget the whole thing. Like hell he's going to do that! Even though I have to turn String down, I'm sure as heck not going to let him off the hook that easy! After a few moments, Caitlin finally felt like she could answer Hawke.

"String, I'm really, really sorry, but I just can't tonight. I mean, I'd love to go out with you, don't get me wrong, but see, whoever sent me those roses is going to be here any minute to take me out on a date, because the card said—" Caitlin suddenly stopped herself as two and two came together in her mind, and she realized what was happening. Or at least, what she hoped was happening. God in Heaven! Hang on just a doggone minute! The card with the roses said, 'Dinner tonight?'! Caitlin caught herself daring to hope that String had been the one to send the roses to her, and that the words on the card were his way of asking her out on a date. But String, he didn't! Did he? Caitlin suddenly remembered what Dom had told her before String got back, about assuming things. Then she saw Hawke smiling at her, and she felt her imagination kick itself into overdrive. Okay, I don't get this at all! I turned String down, and he's standing there smiling at me? Why in the heck isn't he upset that I turned him down? Unless—God in Heaven, I hope I'm right! I don't wanna assume anything, but I sure hope what I'm thinking is right! God, if you'll just please give me this one more thing, I swear I'll never ask you for anything again for the rest of my life! Finally, Caitlin felt like she could ask the question burning in her mind.

"Okay, hang on! Hang on just a doggone minute! Stringfellow Hawke, are you trying to tell me that, that you sent me those roses? And that you're the one who wants to—?" Caitlin suddenly felt her eyes flood with tears. If I'm wrong, then I'm heading straight home to pack, and then, I'm gone, Caitlin struggled with the emotions she was feeling, even as she prepared her heart for disappointment, but something tells me I'm not. Something Sawyer had told her when they first met crossed Caitlin's mind just then. 'The more you're willing to risk, the greater the reward'. Well, I'm sure risking everything right now! because if String doesn't feel the way I hope he does, I'll be, I'll be absolutely destroyed! Especially after everything he's done these last few days! I sure hope Sawyer knew what he was talking about! Caitlin felt her heart hammering in her throat so hard and so loud that she wondered if String could hear it as she waited for his answer.

"Yeah." Hawke's smile and his single word caused Caitlin's heart to take flight with excitement. Hawke walked up to her and laid his hands on her shoulders, then moved them so that his arms were around her waist. "That's exactly what I'm telling you, Caitlin. I did, and I am. I'm the guy who sent you those flowers, and I'm the one who wants to take you out tonight. When I told Dom I had plans tonight, I was kinda hoping they'd be with you, Cait, because there's-there's a lot I need to talk to you about." Hawke smiled as he saw Caitlin's eyes light up. Just the way mine have been the last few days. And seeing that light in her eyes just makes her that much more beautiful.

"String," Caitlin said as she slipped her arms around his neck, "Forget what I just said, okay? Everything except that I'd love to go out with you tonight." She smiled up at him, hoping he could see her happiness reflected in her eyes. Oh God, thank you! Thank you! I guess I have to admit, Sawyer did know what he was talking about! And, slim didn't walk out the door after all! Then she saw Hawke smile at her, and just like every other time he'd smiled at her lately, Caitlin felt her knees going weak. Quickly, though, Hawke tightened his arms around her to keep her from falling. "Cait? You okay?" he asked, concerned.

"I—I'm fine, String," Cait replied. "It's just that you don't know what that smile of yours does to me. Or," she said, blushing, "at least, you didn't know, until just now."

"You're right, Cait. I didn't know," Hawke replied. "And, I have to tell you, when you smile at me like that, it makes me happier than I've been in a long time. That's part of what I need to talk to you about—I wanted to tell you that I've finally decided to quit running from my feelings about you."

"Just how do you feel about me, String?"

"I love you, Caitlin. And in case you're wondering, I mean that I'm in love with you."

"Oh, String! I love you, and I'm in love with you, too! I have been in love with you practically since the day I met you back in Pope County. But I have a feeling you knew that already." Caitlin felt her heart take flight at Hawke's words. God in Heaven! I was beginning to think I'd only hear you say those words to me in my dreams at night, String, she thought excitedly. But you said them to me, and I've got Dom as a witness! I can't believe it, String, but you said that you're in love with me! I have been praying you'd tell me that, someday!

"Well, I have to admit I hoped you felt that way, especially after the way you kissed me when you got off that ship, but I wasn't that confident, or that conceited. And besides, I didn't want to assume that you loved me, because I didn't want to think about how badly it would have hurt if I'd been wrong. But, it's like I said, Cait. That beautiful smile of yours makes me happier than I've been in a very long time. I—I want you to know that. And, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out, Cait, but you're the reason I've been smiling so much these last few days." I was right, Hawke thought happily, remembering how he'd wondered if Caitlin was in love with him. It wasn't just my imagination, or my ego talking.

"I'm glad, String," Caitlin said as she smiled up at him again through tears of joy that had erupted in her eyes, and Hawke swore he felt his heart flip. God in Heaven! He, he said I'm the reason he's been smiling so much! This is better than I ever thought! She felt tears flood her eyes and hoped String wouldn't worry that she was upset. Then something Dom had told her that he and Hawke's parents taught both String and Saint John crossed her mind—the same thing she had told Dom her father taught her, and Erin—Never assume anything, because it just makes an 'ass' out of 'you', and 'me.' No wonder he didn't want to say anything, she thought, because he didn't want to look like an ass in front of me if he'd been wrong. Of course, he wasn't wrong, but he had no way of knowing that.

"Okay," String said, and then got concerned. "Cait? What's wrong?" He'd noticed the tears erupt in Caitlin's eyes, and was worried by them. This is really not what I thought would happen when I told her about this. I sure hope she's not upset by everything I've done. Maybe-maybe I came on a little too strong. I should apologize. "Cait, I'm—I'm sorry."

"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, String," Caitlin told him, smiling. "Except maybe for taking so danged long to figure out how you feel about me! These tears are because I'm—I'm happy, for Pete's sake! I'm happy you finally figured out your feelings about me, and that I'm the reason you've been smiling so much lately. Not to mention, I'm happy that you sent me those flowers, and that we're finally going out on a date! I have wanted a date with you for a very long time, and I'm just happy that I'm the one you wanted your plans to be with tonight! But, let me tell you something right now, Stringfellow Hawke! If you ever apologize to me for telling me you love me again, so help me God, even though I love you more than life itself, I swear I'll kick your sexy ass straight back to that cabin of yours! You hear me?" God, if I'm dreaming, could you do me a favor? Please don't wake me up! This is better than I ever imagined, but I'm scared! Not just because of what happened between me and Sawyer, and how String's going to react when he finds out, but because I'm afraid I'm dreaming!

"Okay, then. And, yes, I do hear you, Cait." Hawke said with a relieved smile, then turned to Dom. "Dom? You okay for a while?" Well, that's better. It shouldn't surprise me that she teared up like that, though. Cait gets emotional like that sometimes. That's one of the things I love about her. I'm just glad she's not upset with me, or anything I've done. And if I've got anything to say about it, Caitlin, you'll be the only woman I ever make plans with from now on..

"Hell yeah, I'll be okay, String. I think I can keep myself occupied 'till you get back. And if I do get bored, I can always go home and you can take a chopper up to the cabin yourself, y'know!" Dom said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, Dom," Hawke said as he slipped his arm around Caitlin's waist, and felt hers go around his. "I know. But don't worry. We won't be too long," he said as they walked out of the hangar over to the Jeep. String opened Caitlin's door for her, then walked around to the driver's side door, climbed in, and in a few moments, they were headed away from the hangar, as Dom began working on cleaning up the office. This oughta keep me busy for a while. I can't believe String's finally going to take the chance on Cait! And boy, am I ever relieved to be wrong, that it was somebody else who sent those flowers, and not String, especially after everything String's done the last few weeks. Now I see why he ran so late getting those parts back here, too! Dom smiled, and finally the tension he'd been holding back since the flowers were delivered broke through, and he laughed out loud.

All RIGHT! The look on Cait's face when she realized String had been the one who sent those roses, and that String was the guy who was asking her out—I'll remember that expression until the day they put me in the ground, whenever the hell that is. And I have to admit, I'm happier than I've been in a long time, seeing how String made Cait smile when he told her he loves her. 'Course, he didn't say anything that I haven't thought for a very long time! I mean, the way he and Cait snap at each other sometimes, I always thought it was because String was hiding from his feelings. And, I know Cait was hiding from hers. She as much as told me so in Horn's limo that day! But, it looks like he finally decided to quit running from his feelings, thank heavens! And, I guess now I understand why String didn't react when he saw Cait's roses— because he knew he'd been the one to send them. Sneaky, String! Real sneaky! You had us both completely fooled, buddy!

But, I'm still worried. because when he finds out about what happened with Cait and Sawyer, who knows what that boy of mine will do? And of course, Cait's not going to be too happy when she finds out what happened with String and Angelica. And, String and Inge. But I suppose I'll worry about that when—and if—the time comes. Dom sighed and went back to work, even though his mind was on his two young friends and what discoveries the evening would bring. Besides, he thought, remembering something he'd told String not long ago, worrying too much is only going to get me a lifetime fulla bills, and I've got too many of those already!

Three hours later, Dom was beginning to think about leaving String a note and heading home, when he suddenly heard the Jeep pulling up to the hangar. He moved to a position where he could watch what was happening, but not make it obvious to Hawke and Caitlin that he was watching. He smiled as String got out of the Jeep, then walked around to Caitlin's door and opened it for her. Just like we taught him, Alan old buddy. You and Jane would be so proud of String tonight. Dom wiped a tear from his eye at the thought of Hawke's father, as he watched Hawke and Caitlin walking over to her car, and then Dom saw something that literally made his heart flip. String took Caitlin into his arms, and then he kissed her. And not a friendly peck like Dom had seen Hawke give Caitlin a million times before. This kiss looked like the one from that movie set a few months ago, after the director had chewed String and Caitlin out to make the kiss more 'realistic.' Oh, I like what I see! Finally, after what Dom thought was way too long, the kiss broke, and Hawke and Caitlin walked over to her car. Hawke opened Caitlin's door for her, and she kissed him again quickly before she climbed into her car to head for home. Dom tried to make himself look busy as he saw String walking towards the hangar, but String smiled and said, "Forget it, Dom, we saw you watching. Did you enjoy the show?"

"Yeah," Dom said as he turned the lights out in the hangar and got ready to fly String home. "Your mom and dad would have been real proud of you tonight, kid!" Dom smiled at String and was relieved when String smiled back at him.

"So?" Dom demanded as they climbed into the chopper. "What happened tonight?"

"Well, Caitlin and I had a long talk about our feelings tonight, and we each learned something about the other person."

"What might that be, String?" Dom asked, hoping that he knew the answer.

"Simple, Dom." Dom started the chopper's engines and lifted off, headed for Hawke's cabin, "Caitlin and I learned that we love each other, and that we're both in love with each other. Of course, I think I had a good idea how Caitlin felt, but she just didn't know how I felt, until tonight. She also told me what she said to you in Michael's limo, before you came to rescue me from Horn, and that she meant that she loved me. And, she kept telling me that she thought everything that was happening was a dream, but I convinced her that it was all real. That my feelings for her are real, and that I've finally decided to quit running from them, like I said before we left. I also apologized profusely for hiding my feelings for as long as I have."

"Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that, String!" Dom said excitedly. He remembered how, after he had insisted that he would go, alone, to turn Airwolf over to Horn, Caitlin had said, 'Dom, don't do that to me. I care about him, too, y'know. Probably more than you know.' I always wondered what she meant by that. Well, I guess now I know. Almost immediately, though, he remembered what Caitlin had told him about Sawyer. I sure hope that doesn't wreck what you started tonight. But then again, you're not without your secrets either, String. "Y'know, kid, I was hoping like crazy that you'd been the one that sent Cait that bouquet of roses! And I know she was, too. And I could also tell she was thinking that if you didn't send those roses, she'd have to turn down whoever the guy was that did. But, thank goodness, we don't have to worry about that." When String didn't immediately respond, though, Dom got concerned. "Something's not good, here, String. C'mon, what else you got on your mind?"

"There was—something about the way Cait was acting tonight. I dunno, Dom. Even after I told Cait that I loved her and convinced her that she wasn't dreaming the whole thing, she seemed, hesitant. Like she didn't believe me, or something. It doesn't make sense."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about it, String," Dom said, knowing what was bothering Caitlin. This is exactly what I've been worried about, because Cait's reaction makes perfect sense to me, but I gave my word I wouldn't tell String, and I won't.

"Dom? What aren't you telling me?"

"Nothing, String. Why would you think I wasn't telling you anything?" Dom asked, suddenly worried.

"I don't know. Just a feeling I have, I guess. Maybe I'm just worried about Cait, and why she's so hesitant to believe everything I told her tonight. Like I said, I just don't know."

"And, like I said, don't worry about it, kid! Remember what I told you worrying like that'll get you! I'm sure she'll come around."

"I sure hope so, Dom," String said as the cabin came into view. "I sure hope so." Yeah, I know what you're talking about, Dom. 'A lifetime fulla bills!' Hawke thought as Dom set the chopper down on the dock.

"Well, at least now I know why you were so late," Dom said as Hawke unstrapped. "You must've gotten Cait's roses ordered before you picked up my parts, right?"

"Right, Dom. Sorry I fibbed about that, but—"

"Yeah, yeah. Hey, I'm just glad everything worked out for you two!" 'Night, String!"

" 'Night, Dom!" Dom waved at Hawke as he stepped back to allow the chopper to lift off the dock, then pointed his helicopter back toward Van Nuys. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up, he thought as he flew. String's asking more questions, and the fact that I'm not telling him anything has to be worrying him. He is going to be so upset when he figures out what's going on, and that I've been lying to him all this time! I just hope everything works out, he thought anxiously.

As Hawke walked back into the cabin and fixed himself a glass of wine, he recalled the conversation he'd had with Caitlin over dinner. He remembered her saying, "String, I can't believe this is real. Please, tell me I'm not dreaming!"

String reached over and gently pinched her right arm. "Trust me, Caitlin, it's all real. Everything I've said tonight, and my feelings for you, are all very real. I wish you could believe me."

"I do believe you, String. It–it's just all so sudden. I mean, when I think of how much I've wanted to hear those words from you, and for you to admit that you love me the way I love you, when you said them a little while ago, it didn't seem real. Y'know what I mean?"

Hawke sighed. "Yeah, I do know what you mean, Caitlin, but I'm going to do whatever I have to do to prove to you that I'm really in love with you. I promise you that. And besides," he added, grinning, "You've got Dom as a witness. He saw the whole thing."

"I know, String. I guess I'm just afraid that I'm gonna wake up tomorrow morning and find out this was all just a dream. I mean, I have wanted to hear you say that you're in love with me for so long, and tonight, when you finally said it, it just didn't seem real, y'know?"

"I think I understand, Caitlin. Maybe this will help convince you," Hawke said, leaning across the table and kissing her. He finally broke the kiss when the other patrons around them began applauding.

Hawke also recalled what Caitlin had said to him after they left the restaurant. "String, I hope you know I should be mad as all get out that you lied to me, when you told me you didn't know who sent those roses!"

"Yeah, Cait, I do know. And I hope you're not mad at me for lying to you—twice—the way I did, but it was all part of the surprise."

"String, I said that I should be mad as all get out—but that doesn't mean that I am. Actually," she said, grinning suggestively at him, "I think what you did was the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me, and I love you for doing it, even the fib you told me. But, twice? When was the second time?"

"The second time was after you asked me if I expected you to believe me when I said I didn't have the vaguest idea about your flowers. Remember, I said, 'whether you believe it or not, doesn't matter to me.'? Well, it did matter, and I'm sorry for that second lie, too. But, I promise you, Caitlin, that'll be the last time I ever tell you a fib like that."

"As far as I'm concerned, neither one matters to me anymore. And that, Stringfellow Hawke, is the truth." Once String had parked the Jeep back at the hangar and he and Caitlin had both climbed out, she kissed him deeply and passionately, to show there were no hard feelings.

Why wouldn't she believe me? Hawke wondered as he finished off his wine and headed upstairs. Caitlin knows I've never lied to her, and that I wouldn't ever lie to her, aside from the things I said about the flowers, so why would she think anything I said tonight was a lie? There's a lot more going on here, I'm afraid. And I don't know why, but I get the sinking feeling that Dom knows what's going on, and he's not telling me for some reason. Well, I'll just have to keep trying to figure it out. Hawke closed his eyes and wasn't surprised when Caitlin's smiling, beautiful face appeared in the forefront of his thoughts.

As Caitlin drove home after String dropped her off at the hangar, her emotions were a mixture of happiness and fear. I mean, I'm happy as all get out that String admitted that he loves me, she thought as she arrived home and got ready for bed, but I'm, I'm scared, too. I'm scared of how String's going to react when he finds out about Sawyer, and what he did to me. String'll probably hate me forever after that, and I know I won't be able to handle that if it happens. I mean, every time he kissed me, especially when he kissed me good night, I felt how much String loves me. something I never felt when Ken, or Robert kissed me. The few times either one of 'em kissed me, that is. But when I'm in String's arms, I feel how much he loves me, and I hope that doesn't change, especially when my secret comes out, like I'm afraid it's going to.

But, at least now I understand why Dom said, 'I never thought I'd see this day, String!' He meant he never thought he'd see the day String would finally pull his head out of his rear end about me. And I was beginning to think I'd never see that day, either! But, I finally have. Finally, she fell asleep, and wasn't surprised, or unhappy, to find Hawke's smiling face at the forefront of her thoughts. Her last thought as she fell asleep was, Dang, Bobby was right! String does look good when he smiles! Even better than usual, if that's humanly possible. She sighed happily again as she allowed sleep to finally claim her.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Dom watched Caitlin and String growing closer every day. When String began taking Caitlin to the cabin for dinner, Dom began wondering how long it would be before they decided to take their relationship to the next level—and, the prospect suddenly had him worried sick. because Cait's going to have to tell String about Sawyer, and that could just, kill him. Not to mention what it would do to their relationship. But they'll figure it out. I hope. I mean, Cait's wanted them to be together like this for so long, and for something to tear them apart now, it might just kill both String and Cait if they can't work it out. I sure hope they can work it out, because String is so much happier since he finally admitted his feelings about Cait—just like I figured he'd be—and if things go bad when he finds out about Sawyer, I'm worried about what that could do to him, and to Cait. Dom remembered how Hawke had slipped even further into depression after Gabrielle was murdered. And he might do it again if things go bad with Cait, and I'm not sure I could go through that again, Dom thought, not to mention what it would do to Cait.

A few weeks later, Hawke and Caitlin were up at his cabin having some after-dinner wine, and Hawke felt like the mood had decidedly turned romantic. As he glanced at Caitlin curled up next to him, he admired how the light from the fire caught both her dress and her red hair, as well as noticing her long, shapely legs, which were accentuated by the heels she wore, and Hawke decided to make his move. He quickly set his wine glass down on the table, then took Caitlin's out of her hand and set it down next to his. She gasped as Hawke stood up from the couch and pulled her up with him, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her with everything he had, all the pent-up emotions he'd been holding inside for so long. He felt Caitlin's arms slip around his neck as she began to return his passions with her own. She pressed her body tightly against his and held the kiss for as long as possible, but when she felt Hawke's hands moving up her body toward the zipper on the back of her dress, she suddenly, and forcefully, pulled away from him. "No. String, we can't. It's not that I don't want you, String, because I do. Believe me, String, I want you so badly it hurts, but we—we just can't do this." God, you don't know how hard it was to turn you down, String. Like I said, I want you so badly it hurts, but we—we just can't. Especially with the secret I've got to tell you. because once I tell you, you're never going to want to be with me, the way I want you.

"Well, I want you the same way, and just as badly, so why not, Cait?" Hawke asked worriedly, especially after Caitlin turned her back to him. Something's very wrong, Hawke suddenly felt himself becoming worried again. I wasn't kidding when I said, 'I want you the same way, and just as badly,' Hawke thought as his erection throbbed painfully in his slacks. But something's very wrong. Cait's acting just like she did the night I told her I loved her. What in the hell is going on here?

"Because, String," Caitlin said, not feeling confident enough to look him in the eye, "there's-there's something you don't know about me, and when I tell you about it, you're probably not going to want to have anything to do with me ever again." And you're sure as hell not going to want to be with me, the way I want you, which is going to hurt me most of all. Because I can't just turn my feelings for you off, String. I-I'll always love you, no matter what happens tonight. God in Heaven, why couldn't I turn Sawyer down as easily as I just turned down the only man I've ever wanted to have make love to me? Caitlin felt even more despondent when she felt Hawke's hands on her shoulders as he turned her to face him again.

"Caitlin, I don't think there's anything you could tell me that would make me feel that way about you," Hawke said as he put his hands gently on her shoulders and turned her to face him. "Please, baby, tell me what's got you so upset." And I hope to heck it's not something I did, or something I said. Just like the night he told Caitlin he loved her, Hawke felt himself worried that he might have come on too strong.

"Okay, String," Caitlin said nervously. "You asked for it." And don't say I didn't warn ya. She considered how she would tell the man she loved more than anything in the world what she had done. Caitlin slipped out of his arms and walked a few steps away from him, then turned back to him and looked him in the eye."Do you remember the night Ken took me out to dinner, before he kidnapped me?" Caitlin felt her nerves increase when she saw Hawke nod affirmatively.

"Yeah, I remember, Cait." Hawke frowned, because he wasn't sure where the conversation was headed, and why Caitlin was bringing Sawyer up. "I remember I felt jealous as hell watching you with Sawyer because of how happy you looked, but I couldn't bring myself to tell you how I felt. But why is that a problem now, for Pete's sake?" Something doesn't add up here, and I don't like it. But at least I know she's not upset about anything I've said or done.

"Well, didn't you notice something, I dunno, strange, when I wasn't at the hangar when you guys got there the next morning?"

"No." Hawke was growing more confused by the minute. "I mean, Dom and I figured you'd had a late night of it, maybe a little too much to drink, and you got to the hangar just in time to open up and take Sawyer on that flying lesson. It wasn't a big deal, y'know," Hawke stood just behind Caitlin, wondering why this piece of information had her so upset. Something's very, very wrong here. This evening is not going the way I hoped it would at all, Hawke thought, suddenly concerned. Could I have been wrong, all this time, about how Caitlin feels about me?

"That's what I'm trying to tell you, String. It was a big deal." Caitlin's voice began shaking, like she could burst into tears again at any moment. Well, here goes everything. "It was a really big deal, and I wish like heck it was as simple as me being hung over and oversleeping, but after we went out to dinner, Sawyer and I–that is, we—I mean–oh, God in Heaven, String! I'm so embarrassed about what happened, I can't even say it!" Caitlin finally broke down and began crying again, turning her back to him as she felt the tears begin flowing even harder than before. And I'm so scared about what you're gonna say, she thought worriedly. I mean, I've waited almost two years for the past few weeks to happen, but now, I-I'm afraid what happened with Sawyer has destroyed what we've found!

Suddenly, the reason Caitlin had drawn away from him, and was hesitant to take things any further, hit Hawke like a burst of fire from Airwolf's chain guns. Or a Hellfire missile. She doesn't have to say it—because I get it. Now it does add up—all of it. Why Cait was crying in the office back at the hangar that day. What Cait's been so scared about since we rescued her, and why she was so hesitant to believe me the night I told her how I felt about her, and why she pulled away from me just now, when I tried to take things a step further. It doesn't have anything to do with me, or anything I've done. And, I think now I understand why Cait thinks I'd never want anything to do with her ever again, and what she meant by 'String'll never see me that way. Especially not after'— she was going to say, 'Especially not after Hawke finds out about what happened,' or something like that. And I even understand why she had such a hard time believing me the night I told her I loved her. Hawke suddenly remembered something he'd said after Dom opened the office door. 'Must be a pretty serious situation if you locked me out.' Well, he thought, even though I was mostly joking when I said that, I think I'm beginning to see just how serious it was.

It's all making sense now, he thought, remembering something that crossed his mind a few days ago. This doesn't have anything to do with something from when Sawyer kidnapped Cait, it's all about something that happened the night before she was kidnapped. Cait's worried about how I'm going to react to what I'm afraid happened the night Sawyer took Caitlin out, before he kidnapped her. Unless my instincts are totally off the mark here, she and Sawyer slept together. "Caitlin, are you trying to tell me that you-you slept with Sawyer?"

It took a few minutes, but finally, Caitlin felt like she'd calmed down enough to answer Hawke. "Yeah." Hawke could see Caitlin's embarrassment in her eyes, and his heart went out to her. "I'm afraid that's exactly what I mean, String. I mean, Sawyer was such a smooth talker. Dom called him a con artist, actually; and Sawyer smooth-talked his way right into my bed that night. I mean, he was telling me everything I was wishing you would say to me, and I bought it from him hook, line, and sinker," Caitlin felt herself growing even more embarrassed as she continued.

"It–it was only that one night, String, and I'm not pregnant or anything, but I let Sawyer sweet-talk me into taking him back to my place after dinner, and we slept together. And the only reason he even did it was so that I'd keep my mouth shut, and not try to warn you or Dom about what he was going to do. I mean, just before he left me tied up on that ship, I asked him about what we did—more like what he did to me—and he told me it 'didn't mean a thing.' After I heard that, I had a bad feeling that if I hadn't given him what he wanted, then he would've just...taken it, whether I wanted him to or not. I mean, he told me that if I tried to stop him, he'd not only force me to sleep with him, but he'd hurt you, and Dom, because he knew how much that would hurt me, even more so than if he forced himself on me.

"But I–I didn't want to tell you about what happened, especially now. I mean, we're finally getting close the way I've wanted us to ever since I met you, but now that you know this, you're going to hate me, String, I know you will!" She turned away from him again and burst into tears, crying harder than Hawke could ever remember. Even when she thought she'd killed me, with that antidote to Horn's brainwashing, she wasn't crying like this. And even though I know I shouldn't, I feel like it's my fault. Hawke found himself staring at Caitlin across the room, wondering what she was thinking.

Well, there it is. I–I guess, now, I'll wait until String tells me he's ready to take me back to the hangar, and on the way back, I'm going to tell String to tell Dom I quit, and not to hold anything against Dom for keeping my secret, since I'm the one who asked him to do it. And once I get back, I'm heading straight home, packing up my stuff, and then I'm gone. I don't have the vaguest idea where I'm going to go or anything like that, but I do know I have to get the hell out of California and as far away from Stringfellow Hawke as I can possibly get, as fast as I can. Caitlin fought to get her emotions under control as she glanced at Hawke, wondering what he was thinking, and then turned her back to him a moment later. I know how much I've hurt him. I saw it in his eyes. I mean, even if he's not hurt about what happened, I know he's hurt that I never told him about it, so I'm gonna lose him either way. She felt her heart sink to the floor of the cabin. Hawke'll never forgive me for this, I know it. Maybe someday God can forgive me for what I did, she thought sadly, because I know String won't. Sadly, she glanced over at Hawke on the other side of the room. I sure wish I could tell what he's thinking right now, even though I've probably got a darned good idea. He's thinking he doesn't ever want to see me again—and once he takes me back to the hangar, he won't, because like I said, I'm going straight home, packing my bags, and getting the hell out of California, as fast as I possibly can! Caitlin sighed almost despondently as she tried to commit the feelings she'd experienced every time Hawke had kissed her to her memory. Because I know String's never gonna put his hands on me like that again, no matter how much I wish he would, now that he knows what happened. Caitlin felt a fresh wave of tears envelop her as she glanced at Hawke, then quickly turned her face away from him again. And I've been so happy these past few weeks, but that's all gonna be over, soon, because of what Sawyer did to me. And I'll never have that kind of happiness with anyone else, as long as I live. God, why did I let this happen to me? Caitlin's thoughts had turned even more despondent when she saw Hawke looking at her, and wondered what he was thinking at that moment.

Hawke's emotions had gone into a tailspin the moment Caitlin made her confession about sleeping with Sawyer, but he made sure that his anger was targeted against Sawyer, and not Caitlin, especially after she said, 'I had a bad feeling that if I hadn't given him what he wanted, then he would've just...taken it, whether I wanted him to or not.'

Dammit! I knew it! I knew Sawyer was behind what's been bugging Cait somehow, and I was right! Now I really wish I would have gotten a chance to beat the hell out of Sawyer, instead of just blowing him out of the sky the way I did. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised about what happened. Like Cait said, Sawyer was an awful smooth talker, and a great con artist. I heard it and saw it myself. And he probably would've done the same thing with any woman in Cait's position, if he thought it would help him get to me and Airwolf. Besides which, she had no idea I loved her when this happened. If I'd just had the balls to tell Cait how I felt, then she never would've let Sawyer con her into sleeping with him. Heck, she probably wouldn't have even let Sawyer take her out that night, if she'd known how I felt—that is, how I feel—about her. So in that respect, it is my fault, what happened. Another, more horrible thought suddenly intruded on Hawke's mind as he recalled Caitlin's words from a few moments earlier. But if she hadn't been willing, then like she said, Sawyer-Sawyer probably would have forced her to sleep with him, and he probably would have hurt her when she tried to stop him, like I know she would have, and I also know she damned sure could have done. I've heard of guys like Sawyer raping a woman to keep her quiet about something he planned to do—like what Sawyer did with Airwolf. And if that had happened—if Sawyer had raped Caitlin—then I really would have wanted to force the plane he was in down, so Dom and I could tear him apart limb from limb. Heck, if I know Dom, he not only would have wanted to tear Sawyer apart, he would have wanted to haul his sorry ass back to the ship and give Caitlin a few shots at the bastard, too. Of course, there might not have been much left for Caitlin, after Dom and I got through with the sorry asshole.

Suddenly, Hawke's mind flashed to the day he'd been locked out of Dom's office, and he'd seen Cait had been crying when Dom opened the door. It makes sense now, all of it. Cait must have told Dom about her and Sawyer. That must have been the reason they locked me out of the office that day, and what they've been keeping so secret. And I can even understand why they did it, and why Cait's been acting so scared around me since she got off the ship, and why she kept saying she didn't believe it the night I told her I love her—Caitlin was worried about how I'd react when I found out about what happened. She was probably afraid I'd never want anything else to do with her—like that could ever happen, even knowing what I do. And, that's what she meant by 'String'll never see me that way.' She meant that she thought I'd never want her, romantically or sexually, when I learned about her and Sawyer, which also explains what she's been so nervous about all this time. I'll just have to prove to her that it's not true—that I do still want her, both romantically and sexually. I mean, it's not like I don't have a few secrets of my own, even though I think Cait already knows about them.

I–I can't hate her for what she's done, especially with some of the things that I'm guilty of. What was it Mom used to tell Saint John and me? 'Don't criticize the splinter in your brother's eye, when there's a two-by-four sticking out of your own,' or something like that, I think. I—I better tell her it's okay, and that I still love her. I think I better tell her—everything. Hawke took a deep breath to calm himself as he walked up behind Caitlin and placed his hands gently on her shoulders, turning her to face him.

Caitlin felt her body stiffen when she felt Hawke's hands on her shoulders. Well, here it comes. I-I guess it's time. Time for the best friend I ever had, not to mention the love of my life, to tell me he hates me for what happened, and that he's telling me goodbye. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself.

"Go ahead, Hawke," Caitlin said through her tears as she felt Hawke gently turning her toward him. "Go ahead and tell me you hate me for what happened, and that you don't ever want to see me again, or want anything to do with someone like me, after what I did. Go ahead and say it, and then you can take me back to the hangar so I can go home," she said, sobbing, as she looked hesitantly up into Hawke's eyes.

Just like the night of their first date, Caitlin felt her heart hammering in her throat as she waited for Hawke's response to her revelation, finally daring to look him in the eye. Probably the last time I'll ever look into those eyes, she thought sadly, because after what I've done, I promise you that tonight's going to be the last you ever see of Caitlin O'Shannessy. Who am I kidding? Now that you know what happened, String, it's probably the last time you want to see me, anyway. because if I know Hawke, right now he thinks I'm some kinda whore, or something like that, so the sooner I can get home and then get far, far away from Hawke, the better I'll feel, even though I-I'll always love him. Caitlin felt herself fighting to keep another wave of tears from flowing at the thought of never seeing String again. Which means I'll be alone the rest of my life, she thought sadly, because like I thought before, I'll always love String, and I'll always compare any guy I might date to him, like I did with Sawyer and Villars both. And that's what scares me most of all—walking out of here tonight, having String fly me back to the hangar, or flying myself back there alone, leaving Hawke, Dom, and California forever, and never feeling as in love as I have these past few weeks, ever again. But instead of seeing the hatred and disgust she had expected, Caitlin was shocked to see Hawke smiling at her, and that Hawke's steel-blue eyes as they stared back at her were filled with an expression of pure, unadulterated love.

"No." Hawke's one-word answer, and the smile on his face, heightened Caitlin's confusion, along with her anxiety. What the heck does he mean, 'No?' I–I have to find out, one way or the other, even though I'm not too crazy about knowing the answer, Caitlin thought, hoping her face didn't reflect the fear she was feeling.

"No? What do you mean, 'no,' String? You—you can't seriously mean that you still love me, knowing that Sawyer and I slept together! Can you?" Caitlin said a silent prayer. Can you seriously mean that, String? God, if there's any way that String does still love me, and want me, after what I just told him, I swear it'd make me the happiest gal in the whole wide world! I know, I know, I said I'd never ask you for anything again before, but can you just give me this one last thing, God? Please? She pulled herself out of her thoughts when Hawke began talking again.

"Yeah, I can seriously mean that, because that's exactly what I do mean, Caitlin. I mean 'No,' I can't tell you that I hate you, and that I don't want anything to do with you, or that I never want to see you again. And I won't, because if I said that to you, I'd be lying. Caitlin, I don't hate you because of what happened, and I don't want to take you back to the hangar. As a matter of fact, I appreciate the fact that you were honest with me about what happened that night, even though it's really none of my business who you sleep with. You know that. And you're right about Sawyer, too. He was a great con artist, and a real smooth talker. Heck, I heard it myself. And he probably would've done the same thing with any other woman in your position, if doing it would help him get to me and Airwolf. And, I doubt you would have let it happen if you'd known how I felt about you. If I know you as well as I think I do, if you had known how much I love you, you would never have let Sawyer sleep with you. And, I'll bet that if Sawyer tried to force you to sleep with him, you probably would have treated him to one of those karate kicks I've heard you talk about. Am I right?" Of course, like Caitlin said, even if she had kicked him, Sawyer probably would have hit her back, and then done what he wanted to, anyway, Hawke thought.

Caitlin smiled nervously and nodded at him. "Yeah, String. You're right." Oh,yeah. At least one of 'em. But Sawyer did tell me that if I tried, he'd hurt me, and then he'd hurt you, or Dom, if I tried to warn you what was happening. But you do know me well, String, Caitlin thought. She pulled herself back into the present when she heard Hawke's voice again.

"So, I don't hate you for what happened with Sawyer. As a matter of fact," Hawke said, his tone of voice suddenly turning nervous, "since we're making confessions here, I have something to tell you, too." And I'm not real sure what you're going to think of me, when you hear what I have to say.

"Angelica?" Caitlin suspected that she knew what String was talking about. After all, that's why I called 'dibs' on Angelica, because I figured String had slept with her, and I wanted payback. I mean, I remember when I saw her walking out of String's room before I snuck in there, and she looked so...satisfied. Like she'd slept with him.

"And, Inge. So I wouldn't blame you if you hated me, either. I mean, you'd have as much right to hate me as you think I have to hate you, even though I don't." Hawke said, concerned over what Caitlin would say. Well. I finally know why she called 'dibs' on Angelica that day. Even though I had a feeling that was why she did it. And, I figure now I know why Cait was so angry the day Michael took Inge into asylum—Dom was right. She was jealous. And now, I wouldn't be surprised at all if she takes the helicopter and flies back to the hangar to pack her things and leave California forever. Hawke made a decision—I mean, I sure don't want to take her back to the hangar, but if she does leave on her own, then first thing tomorrow morning, I'll call Dom to come get me, and then we're going to the Lair, getting the Lady, and going to Texas to find Caitlin and bring her back here. To bring her home.

I knew it! Caitlin remembered how she'd thought Hawke and Inge slept together the day Michael took Inge into asylum. I knew he slept with Inge. And I should be mad as all get out that he did, but I just can't be. I love String too much to let things that happened before he figured his feelings out about me wreck everything that's happened between us these past few weeks. And not only that, but he was honest with me about it, so I sure can't hate him for any of it, especially since he doesn't hate me for what happened with Sawyer and me. And, she thought, remembering something she'd considered a few days ago, I'm glad String cared enough about me, and about us, to be honest and tell me the truth about what happened. Like I thought before, that just makes me love him even more. Besides, Daddy always taught Erin and me never to hold a grudge, and I'm sure as heck not gonna hold one against String, especially since, like I thought a minute ago, he was honest about it—more honest than I was with him, about Sawyer.

The silence that followed Hawke's confession made him extremely nervous. Finally, Caitlin glanced up into Hawke's steel-blue eyes and smiled lovingly at him. "Well, I wish I could say I'm surprised to hear that, but I'm not. After all, that's why I called 'dibs' on Angelica that day. When I saw her walking out of your room at Horn's compound, she looked so—satisfied—like she'd slept with you, and I was—I was jealous." Hawke nodded, remembering how cold Caitlin's voice had sounded that day. I figured as much, he thought.

"Not to mention, that's the reason I was looking as angry as I was the day Michael took Inge into asylum, because I figured something had happened with you two, and I was angry, and jealous, just like with Angelica." Hawke remembered Caitlin's expression that day—he'd seen her leaning against the hangar, arms crossed, a frown creasing her beautiful face, and one hand tapping against her arm nervously, like she was ready to explode any moment—and suddenly understood the reason for it, even though he'd suspected Caitlin knew what had happened between them. I better not let that out, that Dom was right about Cait being angry and jealous. If I did, I'd never hear the end of it.

Hawke smiled at Caitlin, and said, "I understand, Cait, and I apologize again for that. I-I know how much it hurt you, seeing me with Inge like that." Hawke remembered again how he'd seen Caitlin standing against the wall of the hangar, arms crossed, looking as angry as he'd ever seen her since he'd met her in Texas. I half expected Cait to say something, or do something, that day, but she didn't.

Caitlin paused for a moment before she answered Hawke. You're danged right it hurt me, seeing you with Inge, and wondering about whether or not you and Angelica slept together. But I can't very well stay mad at you, since you were honest with me about them both, and especially considering what Sawyer did to me. And anyway, Daddy taught Erin and me never to hold a grudge against somebody we love, so I'm sure as heck not gonna hold one against you, String! Finally, Caitlin smiled up at Hawke, and noticed the anxiety in his eyes.

After what felt like way too much time to Hawke, Caitlin smiled up at him. "Thanks. And, I accept your apology, String. You're right—it did hurt seeing you date those other women, and the fact that it seemed like you didn't give a dang about me, especially when I was so in love with you. That's why it made me so mad watching you with Inge that day, because I was wishing that just once, you'd look at me, and put your arms around me, the same way I saw you looking at her, and the same way you had your arms around Inge, when you told her good-bye.

"But let me tell you something. Daddy always taught all of us kids never to hold a grudge, especially against someone we love, and I appreciate the fact that you were honest with me about all of it. And besides, I love you way too much to hate you over something like this, especially since you hadn't figured out how you felt about me yet. I never told you this before, but you're my best friend. And it's like you said before, if we'd known how we feel about each other, none of these things woulda happened, right?"

Caitlin waited nervously until String smiled and said, "You're right, Cait," as he took her in his arms again. "I never would've slept with either of those women if I'd known how you felt about me, just like I know that you wouldn't have slept with Sawyer—at least not willingly—if I'd had the guts to tell you how I felt." And, Dom and my parents taught Sinj and me the same thing, about holding grudges. I remember Dom saying that holding a grudge was like letting somebody live, rent-free, in your head. And Sawyer is the last person I'd want living in my head!

"You're right, String. So," Caitlin looked up at String, her eyes shining with love and happiness, "I forgive you for everything that happened, everything you did, in the past, especially since you were honest with me about it. When I think about it, you were more honest with me about what happened with Inge and Angelica than I was with you, about Sawyer. And besides, who you sleep with ain't any more my business than who I sleep with is yours. But like I said, that doesn't matter anymore. It's over now, and we've both learned our lessons. So," she said, her expression turning decidedly mischievous, "I'm yours for the taking, if you still want me, String." She hoped the invitation in her eyes was obvious to Hawke but was surprised when he hesitated again. What the heck are you waiting for, String? If you want me as bad as you say you do, then for God's sake, please take me, right now! Caitlin felt her desire for Hawke running through her like lightning, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could control herself.

"Cait," Hawke's tone of voice caused Caitlin to get nervous for a moment, "First of all, let me tell you that you're my best friend too, even though I don't treat you like it, sometimes. More important, I forgive you, too, for what happened between you and Sawyer. And like I said before, I don't hate you because of it, and I don't blame you. I never did blame you, Cait. I blame Sawyer for what happened, pure and simple, as well as blaming myself, for not having the guts to tell you how I feel about you. I guess my only question is whether you still want me, especially with all the, other baggage and issues I've got."

"Oh, for Pete's sake! String, I don't want to hear about some cockamamie curse you think you've got on yourself! Yes, what happened to your parents, and Kelly, were both tragedies, but they were accidents, for crying out loud! As far as Gabrielle goes—" Caitlin suddenly felt Hawke gently put his finger over her lips, and she stopped talking.

"I know, Cait. Moffett would've killed Gabrielle even if we weren't lovers. He probably didn't even know we were lovers, after all. Moffett looked at Gabrielle as just another obstacle, just like Angela, those Mirage pilots, everyone at Red Star, the crew of the destroyer, and anybody else he killed before we could stop him. And before you say it, as far as Saint John goes, we—we don't know where he is, so he might still be alive, out there somewhere—maybe so deep undercover that he's not able to get word to us, even Michael, that he's alive. We just don't know. Dom and I had a long discussion about that the other day. That's what we'd been talking about when you walked up and asked what would stay between Dom and me.

"And the reason I wanted to keep it between Dom and me was because I had also told Dom that I had finally decided to admit how I felt about you, and I told Dom about my plan to show you that I'd decided to quit running from my feelings. I mean, when I think about everything you've been through since you came to us, and survived, not to mention things that you told me happened to you back in Texas, before you even knew I existed, I realize just how wrongheaded I've been, thinking about that curse, and what we've been missing out on because of it. I just didn't want you to know what Dom and I were talking about, and I was hoping that it wasn't too late—that I hadn't screwed up any chance I had with you." Hawke smiled at Caitlin and was rewarded when she smiled back at him. There it is again. That smile that makes me weak in the knees, Caitlin thought, and she immediately relaxed when she felt Hawke's strong arms supporting her, even as she felt her heart take flight. I can't believe it! Even after what happened, Hawke still loves me, and still wants to be with me! And he said that–that he forgives me for what happened with Sawyer, even though I was so convinced he wouldn't! And I know String—he never says things like he's saying to me right now, if he doesn't mean them. I–I guess God heard me a little while ago! And now, all those little gestures String's been making lately—those beautiful smiles when he gets to the hangar, the times he slipped his arm around my waist, the little hugs, even when String's been buying me lunch—they all make sense. because he started doing all those wonderful things not long after I asked what would stay between Dom and String, and I guess now I know!

"And-and that's what you couldn't tell me you had 'decided,' then, and what Dom said would stay between you two, right? I remember you said, 'That depends,' but you wouldn't answer me when I asked on what."

"I was thinking, 'that depends on how you feel,' Cait. But I couldn't exactly tell you that yet, because I wanted you to be surprised. And what I had 'decided,' to answer your question, was that I was finally going to quit running from how much I love you, Caitlin, and from the fact that I'm in love with you. But I didn't want you to know about it, until the roses arrived at the hangar. That was the plan, anyway. I had asked Dom to keep what we had discussed between him and me, but I'll be honest, I was thinking it'd be awfully hard for him to do that—we both know how much he likes to talk."

"Yeah, we do know that," Caitlin said, smiling as she slipped her arms around Hawke's neck, "And I have to tell you, String, your plan worked absolutely perfectly, especially since Dom didn't say anything to me about it. You saw how surprised I was when you told me that you were the one who sent me those roses back at the hangar, remember? I have to tell you—when you asked me out, before I knew you were the one who sent those beautiful roses, I was thinking how the whole situation was so typical of my luck—Here you'd finally asked me out, and I'd have to turn you down, because I thought whoever had sent those roses was coming to pick me up for a date, but then, I figured out that you were the one who sent them, and you told me that you were the one asking me out, just like I hoped you were.

"And since you told me yours, I guess I'll go ahead and tell you mine, because I don't want there to be any more secrets between us. That day when Dom and I were locked in the office, I was telling him about what happened with Sawyer and me, and how scared I was that if you ever found out, that you'd never want anything to do with me ever again. In fact," Caitlin smiled nervously up at String, "In fact, Dom doesn't even know this, but I had already decided I was going to quit working at the hangar and move back home to Texas to keep you from finding out about it. That's how embarrassed I was about what happened. I was going to tell you to tell Dom that I quit, if you decided you hated me after I told you about it—that's why I said you could take me back to the hangar, so I could go home. Once I got home, I was ready to pack my bags and leave California for good. And, that's also why I was so hesitant to believe what you said to me the night you told me you loved me—I was just so scared that you'd turn away from me when you found out about what Sawyer did to me." I knew it, Hawke thought, recalling he had thought almost that exact thing a few minutes ago. Then, he heard Caitlin start talking again, and pulled himself back into the conversation.

"And—there's another reason I was embarrassed about it. I-I was hoping that you'd be-be my first, String," Caitlin said, her cheeks turning a dark shade of red with embarrassment. Not knowing what else to do, Hawke simply nodded his understanding as Caitlin continued, "And it's not too late. You haven't 'screwed up' your chance with me, String. But I'd pretty much given up hoping that you'd ever take that chance on me, or on us, with you hiding behind that danged curse and all, so I had pretty much decided I was gonna pack up and go home to Texas, and not come back for anything, or anybody. But then when you started acting so different—so danged charming, actually—I changed my mind and decided to stay until I figured out what was going on in that gorgeous head of yours. And I'm so glad I didn't leave, because it woulda been the hardest thing I've ever done, leaving here like that. Leaving you, String. It's just like Meg Ryan said in Top Gun. I am one hundred percent, prime time, in love with you. So, it's like I said before—if you want me, then take me, String. I'm yours. All yours."Caitlin sighed happily as she reached up and ran her fingers through Hawke's short-cropped hair, something else she'd always wanted to do, but never thought she'd ever get the chance to. God in Heaven! I can't believe I said I'd given up hoping String would ever take a chance on me, and especially on us! I–I never thought there would be an 'us,' between String and me, but I guess now, there is! Okay, now I know I'm dreaming, and I hope like heck I never wake up! Caitlin couldn't help but remember the first time String had smiled at her when he and Dom got to the hangar. I can't believe I didn't get it, then—but I was probably too startled seeing that smile to connect it—but that must have been when String started that plan he was telling me about. And, it worked, perfectly, like I told him! And String did forgive me for what happened, even though I was so danged convinced he wouldn't!

"And I'm just as much in love with you, Cait," Hawke said as he pulled her closer to him. "And I'm sure glad you decided not to leave, too. Because I feel like if you had left, you would've taken a part of me with you. And I can tell you this—if you had left, I would have dragged Dom to the Lair, gotten Airwolf, and gone to Texas to bring you back here where you belong, because I love you. I love you so very much, Caitlin. And I always will, no matter what. I won't let what happened between you and Sawyer destroy what we've found these past few weeks, Caitlin. I promise you that." He smiled down at Caitlin, and she felt her knees begin to give way again. Just like every other time he's smiled at me like that. Thank goodness I've got String's arms around me, because I don't think I trust my legs a whole lot right now. And, so much for worrying that I'd never feel his arms around me again.Unconsciously, she tightened her arms around String and kissed him with everything she had, hoping he would finally get the message of how much she wanted him. And he fits against me perfectly. As the kiss intensified, and the passion they each felt for the other began to unleash itself, Caitlin felt the region between her legs grow warm and wet. It-It's like we're made for each other.Caitlin felt her body mold tightly against Hawke, and when she felt his erection press against her wet heat again, she suddenly realized that String wanted her just as badly as she wanted him. So what the heck are you waiting for, String? An engraved invitation? If you mean all these wonderful things you're saying, I've already told you I'm yours for the taking, so please, quit stalling and take me, for God's sake! Right now, dammit, or else I'm going to fly back to the hangar, head home, and pack my bags, and you'll never see me again!

Hawke felt Caitlin's arms tighten around him, and her kiss was all the confirmation String needed of her feelings for him. He quickly pulled them apart, then gathered Caitlin up in his arms and took her to the sleeping loft. And this time when he reached for the zipper on the back of Caitlin's dress, she encouraged him enthusiastically. "Yes! God, yes,I want you, String! Please make love to me. Now." She felt her pulse quicken as she unbuttoned Hawke's pants and shirt, even as she felt the heat rising from her core and the area between her legs growing wet with desire for him.

"And I want you, Cait," String replied as they finished undressing one another. Once they were both naked, Hawke quickly proceeded to show Caitlin just how much he loved her, and he learned just how much she loved him in return.

"String?" Caitlin murmured happily when it was over, and the two of them were lying in Hawke's bed together. Well, that's more like it, she thought, remembering how she'd felt when Hawke swept her off her feet, literally, and carried her to the sleeping loft, along with the feelings she experienced as she ran her hands across his back, the way she'd always hoped she'd be able to do, someday. I can't believe I ever doubted how String feels about me, she thought happily. because if everything he just did with me, and to me, doesn't prove how he feels, then I guess I don't know what would! I guess I don't have to worry about String never putting his hands on me again, either! Caitlin felt a wave of hormones rush through her as she recalled everything Hawke's hands and mouth, along with other parts of his body, had done to her naked body once they were in his bed. And just like I thought I'd be a few minutes ago, right now, I swear I'm the happiest gal in the whole wide world, knowing that String still loves me, and that he forgave me for what Sawyer did to me! Well, Caitlin thought happily as she remembered how convinced she'd been that String would hate her after her confession, it ain't the first time I've been wrong, thank heavens, and hopefully, it won't be the last. I was so convinced String wouldn't ever want to see me again, but now; even though I know I danged sure don't deserve to be with String like this, here we are, in each other's arms in String's bed, just the way I've dreamed we'd be ever since I met him! I have never been so happy to be wrong about anything, in my entire life! Caitlin had always thought she'd never be truly happy, but when she felt Hawke pick her up in his strong, powerful arms, take her upstairs to the sleeping loft, and make love to her, Caitlin realized what true happiness was. And I hope I never stop feeling this way for the rest of my life, she thought excitedly, because now I know what true love and happiness is, being here in String's arms like this! I have never felt as happy, as loved, or as in love as I do right now, at this moment! And I know one thing—I will never sleep with anybody but Stringfellow Hawke for the rest of my life!

"Hmm?" Hawke wasn't capable of much more speech than that, due to the fact that the blood had not returned to his brain quite yet.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for not hating me for what happened between Sawyer and me. I've been so worried—wait, forget worried, I've been scared to death—about what would happen when I told you about it. I thought for sure you'd hate me, and—" Hawke interrupted her the best way he knew how, with a deep and passionate kiss. When he separated them, Hawke waited a few more moments before he felt confident in his ability to string together a full sentence.

"Caitlin, you and I've both made some bad choices regarding love and romance, and there's nothing we can do about them except learn from them and move forward. I told you before that I couldn't hate you for what happened with Sawyer, especially with the mistakes that I've made. I never told you this before, but when I saw you go out with Villars, and then with Sawyer, I was, I was jealous, just like you were when you saw me with Inge, and like you were about Angelica." Hawke watched Caitlin's face for her reaction and was surprised when she began softly laughing.

"Now you tell me!" Caitlin smiled at String, knowing her eyes spoke the truth she felt in her heart. "String, it's okay. I dunno, sometimes I think that as much as they both used me, I was just using Villars and Sawyer both as substitutes—danged poor substitutes, I'll have you know—for the one man I wanted, but I thought I'd never have."

"Really?" Hawke asked, even as he arched one eyebrow humorously. "And who might that be?" As if I didn't already know. Hawke stifled a grin.

"Oh, you!" Caitlin smiled as she leaned in and kissed him again. When she separated them, she asked, "Does that answer your question?"

"Yeah, Cait, it does." Hawke smiled at Caitlin, then added, "And I'm sorry I teased you like that."

"That's okay, String. Just don't ever do that again!" Caitlin said with a stern tone to her voice, but the humor and happiness she felt were both obvious in her hazel eyes.

"I promise you, Cait, I'll never do that again." Caitlin simply smiled and nodded at him. "But, I do need to apologize for something else. Actually, several something elses." What else is he gonna apologize for? Caitlin wondered, anxious.

"Caitlin, I need to apologize to you, from the bottom of my heart, for flaunting all those other women in front of you recently, especially Inge, but also any other women that you've seen me with at the hangar. I swear to you, none of them meant anything to me, Cait." Hawke glanced at Caitlin nervously, and was relieved when he saw Caitlin smiling at him. "It's funny—the day you and Dom had your little conversation, I was thinking that you probably thought of me as a playboy who couldn't settle down with just one woman. And I know this is probably going to sound incredibly conceited, but I was also kinda wondering if you were in love with me. But just like you with Villars and Sawyer, I know now that I was just using those other women as poor substitutes for the one woman I really wanted, but I thought I could never have, because I pushed her away for so long, and because I could never imagine someone like her falling for—and settling for—someone like me. The most beautiful woman I've ever known. You, Caitlin O'Shannessy." Hawke watched Caitlin's face for her reaction and wasn't surprised to see tears form in her hazel eyes.

I should've known he was going to apologize for that. And the fact that he did apologize for it and told me that those other women didn't mean anything to him, just makes me love String that much more. Which I didn't think was possible, since I already love him with my whole heart, mind, body, and soul, Caitlin thought. "String, thank you." She paused for a moment, and when she felt her emotions settle, she continued, "And, I forgive you, String. For everything. It's all over now, like I said before, and we're here together, just like I've been dreaming we'd be practically since I saw you smile at me when you were working on that old Stearman out in front of the hangar." Hawke noticed Caitlin's eyes shining with the truth of the emotions she felt in her heart. "And I think you've had me since the first day I met you, even though it took you so long to admit it. I feel like I've loved you ever since then, Stringfellow Hawke, and I've just been waiting for you to get your head straight about your feelings. I will say this—you were right, String. That did sound terribly conceited—but it was also right.

"I love you, String. I always have, even when you wouldn't love me back, and I always will. Never stop believing that. As far as you saying you can't imagine me falling for someone like you, how can you even think something like that? You are the sexiest, most charming, most wonderful man I have ever known, and any woman would be proud to be with you! I'm just glad you've decided that I'm going to get to be that woman, String." And you were definitely worth the wait. Caitlin sighed happily as she gazed into the steel-blue eyes of the man she loved and saw the love he had for her reflected in them. "I'm sure glad you finally decided to settle down, String, and that I'm the woman you decided to settle down with, because whether you could imagine it or not, I fell for you almost from the minute I saw you. But I'm gonna tell you something right now. Don't you ever let me hear you say you feel like I'm 'settling' for you, ever again! You make it sound like there's someone better out there for me, but as far as I'm concerned, there is no one better for me than you, Stringfellow Hawke! Like I said, you are without a doubt the most wonderful man I've ever met, and you and I both know I've met some real assholes, especially here in California!

"And let me remind you of something else, String! I spent almost two years waiting for you to pull your head out of your ass, something I don't think most women would do! I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me, and that someone like youcould never love someone like me—a tomboy helicopter pilot from Pope County, Texas! Let me tell you something right now—if I ever hear something like that from you again, even though I love you more than life itself, I swear to God I'm gonna kick that sexy ass of yours straight back to the hangar! You understand me?"

I guess you told me, didn't you, Cait? Hawke thought. Aloud, he said, "Yes, I understand you, Caitlin, and I'm sorry that I upset you like that. I wanted you to know something else, too. I have wanted this—wanted you—for a very long time. And, every day since I admitted my feelings about you, I have been extremely grateful that you aren't 'most women.'" I know what she meant by 'real assholes,' Hawke thought. Specifically, Villars and Sawyer. Those two, especially Sawyer, were the definition of 'assholes,' especially the way they both tried to kill Cait and tried to kill Dom and me. But, they're both burning in hell, now. Then, Hawke heard Caitlin say something, and pulled himself back into the conversation.

"Can't be any longer than I've wanted you, String. But, we have each other now. And now that I've got you, I'm never letting you go, String. Ever. Oh, and by the way, apology accepted. And," she grinned at Hawke, hoping he could see the love in her eyes, "I'm glad to hear that."

"And I'll never let you go, either, Cait. I promise you that. I think I fell for you that first time you stared at me in Bogan's cell, even though I fought it for so long. And, thanks." And someday, very soon, I'm going to ask you to marry me, Hawke thought, because I want to spend the rest of our lives making up for the time that I didn't—and wouldn't—love you the same way that I know you loved me.

"You're welcome, baby. Like I said before, that doesn't matter now. But, String, you can't seriously mean that you think I'm the most beautiful woman you've ever known, can you?"

"I don't just think it, I know it, Caitlin." I was just denying it, like I denied my feelings for you for so darned long, Caitlin. But that's over now.

"It's just that I think of myself next to Inge, or Angelica, and I"—Hawke smiled and kissed Caitlin again to stop her from talking. When he separated them, Hawke waited a few minutes before he started speaking again, and when he did, Caitlin saw his eyes were full of love for her.

"Cait, Inge and Angelica were both what I thought I wanted, before I knew what, or who, I really wanted. And, that goes for every other woman I've ever known before you, too. I mean, you're not just physically beautiful, Cait, but you have a beautiful heart, and a beautiful spirit. The fact that you're also so very sexy, and physically beautiful, is just a bonus, in my opinion. And, I think that beautiful spirit of yours is one of the things I first fell in love with about you."

"String, you know I don't believe a word of what you just said, but thank you, so much." Caitlin blushed furiously at Hawke's praise. Then, she looked into his ice-blue eyes and saw the truth of his words reflected in them. There I go again, running my big mouth! I shouldn't have said that I didn't believe String, and I shouldn't have asked him if he 'seriously meant' what he said. String has never lied to me before, so why would he lie about that? Caitlin thought. God, I sure hope my big stupid mouth hasn't screwed this up! Then she heard String speaking again.

"Caitlin, you better get used to hearing things like that from me, because that's part of what I feel like I need to do to make up for everything that happened before. And I'll never lie to you, or hurt you in any way, ever again. I hope you know that. I promise you, I'm going to tell you how beautiful, and sexy you are, and how much I love you, so often from now on that you'll probably get sick of hearing me say it."

"String, I know you've never lied to me, and I'm sorry for saying I didn't believe you when you told me that I'm the most beautiful woman you've ever known. And I could never get tired of hearing those words from you. And I hope you never get tired of hearing me say how much I love you, and how you are the sexiest, most handsome man I have ever known." I mean, I thought Villars and Sawyer were attractive, but String completely blows both of them out of the sky! He is, without a doubt, the sexiest man I've ever met! Not to mention the bravest, most honorable, most charming man I ever met! And finally, he's mine, just the way I've wanted him to be, ever since I laid eyes on him! I-I guess I said that because I'm so used to him teasing me about stuff like this, even though I know he's not teasing me, now.

Hawke smiled as he saw the happy tears glistening in Caitlin's hazel eyes, and he felt his body, and his emotions, relax at Caitlin's words. "You're welcome, and apology accepted. I promise you, I'll never get tired of hearing those words from you, either. And, I know you mean it, Cait, because I know you've never lied to me. As far as me taking so long to get my head straight about my feelings, Saint John always did say I was the stubborn one. And you know that as well as anybody, except maybe Dom. But I meant every word I said about how sexy and beautiful you are. Even the Airwolf flight suit looks great on you." And I think I know why she didn't believe me, at first. Because I've never said things like this to her without being sarcastic. But, Cait knows different, now.

Caitlin smiled as she remembered seeing Hawke stare at her in her flight suit. I never knew he felt like that about me, she thought excitedly. Of course, I've stared at String just as much, because of how sexy I think he is. Then she heard Hawke talking again.

"Hopefully, now, we can move forward together. That's what I want, Caitlin. I want us to be together, and not just for tonight. I love you way too much for this to be just some kind of one-night fling, Cait. And I promise you that I will never let anyone get in the way of my feelings for you, ever again. As far as your worry about me hating you, that never would have happened. Like I told you before, you're my best friend, even though I don't always treat you like it, and I love you way too much to let something like what happened with Sawyer change my feelings about you, Caitlin. And, my mother used to tell Sinj and me all the time, 'don't criticize the splinter in your brother's eye, when you've got a two-by-four sticking out of your own.' So, that's why I could never hate you, Caitlin. Why in the world would I hate you for what happened with Sawyer, when I'm just as guilty in my own way?" Hawke sighed with relief when Caitlin nodded at him. I don't deserve you, Caitlin O'Shannessy. But I'm going to spend the rest of our lives trying to change that. Hawke smiled as he contemplated the beautiful woman next to him.

"And anyway, I should be thanking you, too, for not hating me; with everything I've done, and all the stupid choices I've made since I met you, especially how much I kept pushing you away, until now. But," Hawke recognized the expression in Caitlin's eyes as he pulled her body closer to him, "at least we both finally made the right choices. Because even though we weren't each other's first, I think I'm safe in saying we'll be each other's only, from now on." He smiled hesitantly at Caitlin and was rewarded when she smiled, nodded, and rolled in Hawke's arms to position herself underneath him again.

Oh, you're danged right we will be, Stringfellow Hawke! I promise you, I'll never sleep with another man but you, as long as I live! "Yeah, we did, String," Caitlin said as she smiled lovingly at him, all the love she felt for him visible in her hazel eyes. "We sure did finally make the right choices, and you're danged right about being each other's only from now on. Because I want us to move forward together, too. All I've ever wanted, ever since I met you, was for you to love me the same way I love you, String. And I have to confess something, too. It's about my reaction when you told me that you loved me. I hate to tell you this, String, but when you told me how you felt that night, I, I was scared."

"Scared? You were scared of me? Why, Cait?" Even though I think I know the reason why she was scared, I still need to hear it.

"Sort of. I mean, I wasn't scared of you, actually. I guess it sounds silly now, but that night when I heard you saying all those wonderful things—everything I've wanted to hear from you practically since the day I met you—it scared me, because I was scared what you were going to think when you found out about Sawyer and me—or I guess I should say I was scared what you were gonna think about what Sawyer did to me—and that you'd never want anything to do with me again. I was also scared of what would happen if I gave you my whole heart, the way I wanted to, and you didn't feel the same way about me that I do about you. And that's why I reacted the way I did when you told me you love me. I mean, I have dreamed of being with you just like this for the longest time, and I got scared after what happened with Sawyer. Like I said, I thought the fact that I let him sleep with me had wrecked my chances of being with you like this. I was thinking that you'd think I was some kinda whore, or something like that, and be totally disgusted with me. That's why I've been acting so nervous around you after you and Dom rescued me–I've been so worried about what you'd say when my secret finally came out, even though we weren't together like this when it happened. And most of all, I was scared that I'd leave California and never feel like this again—so happy, and so much in love, the way I've felt every day and every night since you told me you love me. Anyway, String, I-I'm sorry. And, remember what you said about what I would've done to Sawyer before? I have to tell you something—he told me that if I didn't let him do whatever he wanted with me, and to me, he would have hurt me, and then hurt you and Dom if I told you about what happened. And even though I wasn't afraid for me—you know I can take care of myself perfectly well—I was afraid of what he might do to either you, or Dom, and so I just let him do what he wanted. I-I just thought you should know that, String."

I figured as much, and, I'm not the least bit surprised, either, String thought."I understand, Cait. I understand why you felt the way you did, and I apologize for scaring you. It really doesn't sound silly at all that you felt that way. I have to admit that I've been scared, too." I knew it, Hawke thought when he heard Caitlin tell him about what Sawyer said he would do if Caitlin tried to resist him. But, there's no point in rehashing it again.

"You, scared? Of what?" Hawke's never admitted to being scared of anything since I've known him, so what the heck could he have been scared of recently? Caitlin wondered.

"Pretty much the same thing you were scared of, Cait. I was scared of what you'd think when you found out about Angelica, and Inge. And just like you were with me, I was scared to death you'd never want anything to do with me ever again, and that I'd never be as happy again as I've been since I finally admitted my feelings about you. But, Caitlin, I never meant to scare you, you know that, right?" And I hope she knows that I'll never do anything more to scare her, ever again, Hawke thought.

"Yeah, String." Caitlin replied, her eyes shining with love, "I do know that, and I can understand why you were scared to admit what you did. But I have to tell you something. The fact that you were honest with me about it all just makes me love you even more than I already do. And, I'll tell you something else—my daddy always said the same thing about not criticizing the splinter in your brother's eye to me, Erin, and all us kids. Guess your mom and my dad had something in common, huh?" Well, now I understand what String was scared of, and I shoulda known it'd be something like that. Actually, it makes perfect sense that we were both scared of how the other would react, even though String had no more reason to be scared than I did. But neither one of us knew it.

"Yeah, Cait. I guess they did. Listen, can I ask you something?"

"String, you can ask me anything. You know that." No, actually, he didn't know that until you told him, you ninny, Caitlin thought, suddenly embarrassed.

"What was that sigh about the other day?" Caitlin smiled nervously and took a deep breath before she answered him. Even though I figured he'd ask me about it, I'm still nervous about what he's going to say when I tell him why it happened; even though the reason it happened doesn't exist anymore.

"Well, it felt so good having your arm around me like that, and I was wishing for more," Caitlin said, her cheeks turning a slight pink, "but I sighed like that because I felt like you'd never give me anything more than that after you found out about what happened. In fact, I had convinced myself that you'd never touch me again, even just to put your arm around me, once everything about what happened that night came out, and it was making me a little sad. I hate to admit it, especially now, but I was ready to give up hoping that you'd ever love me the way I love you, and the way I now know you love me, after you found out what happened with Sawyer, and what he did to me. And I knew how much it'd hurt, because I knew I'd never stop loving you, String. I wouldn't have been able to turn my feelings off about you. Lord only knows I've tried, both with Villars, and even with Sawyer, but I-I just couldn't, even when I was with both of them. In both cases, I was wishing it was you I was with, String.

"And," she said with a sexy smile as she pulled him closer in her arms, "I certainly wasn't expecting this to ever happen between us!" She smiled happily when String nodded his understanding and wrapped her in the comfort of his strong arms again. "My dreams have finally come true."

"What dreams are those?"

"My dreams of being with you just like this." Caitlin smiled as she thrust herself up against him, and her smile grew when she felt him against her. It won't be long until he can make me his again, she thought excitedly. "I have dreamed of being loved by you for the longest time, like I said before. I mean, when I kissed you after I got off the ship, I was trying to show you how much I love you—that's why I held it as long as I did—to show you that I was okay, I hadn't died, and that it would be okay for you to love me, even though I was still worried about how you'd take what happened. And I have to tell you—I've always thought your flight suit looks great on you, too. Why do you think I have such a hard time keeping my eyes off you before, and after, missions?" Caitlin smiled suggestively at him. I'm not even gonna mention the fact that he blamed himself for what happened, she thought, because I've already lectured him once, and that's enough. Actually, that's too much, and I hope I never have to get that stern with String again! I will if I have to, if he puts himself or me down like that again, but I know I sure as heck won't like it! The only thing I hate more than hearing String talk bad about himself is having to reprimand him for doing it, so I sure hope he doesn't make a habit of it!

Hawke smiled, knowing that he and Caitlin were on the same page. I've always wondered about that, he thought, recalling seeing Caitlin stare at him more than once. "I understand, Cait. Well, I guess we won't have any more problems staring at each other, will we?" Caitlin sighed happily as she felt String running his fingers through her long red tresses, the way she'd dreamed he would, practically since the day she saw him in Bogan's jail cell. "And like I said, I was worried you'd never want me when you found out about everything I've done. But, I guess we've proven that wrong, haven't we?"

"Yeah, I guess we have. And I have to tell ya, String, I've never been happier to be wrong, about anything, in my entire life! As for staring, I'll never get tired of looking at you, String, because of how sexy I think you are, especially when you're smiling at me. And I've noticed you staring at me before, and I'll tell you this—if I didn't love you so danged much, it would've made me nervous as all get out. But now that I know how you feel about me, you can stare at me as much as you want, because I think we'll both be doing a lot more staring at each other from now on!" Caitlin smiled at Hawke, and was relieved when he nodded at her and smiled back. "But, I do have something else to tell you."

"Uh-oh. This sounds serious."

"Well, it might be. See, a while back, Dom told me about what you had with Gabrielle, before-well, you know. He told me about the love you two shared, and he told me that he thought you deserve to have that kind of love in your life again, and that he thought Gabrielle would want you to find love again. And, I want to be the one to give you that kind of love for as long as we have together. I can't promise you I'll be around forever, String, but what I can promise you is that I'll love you like nobody else can, with every bit of my heart, mind, body, and soul, every day for the rest of our lives." The way I love him already. With my entire heart, mind, body, and soul. I never thought I could love anyone the way I love String, Caitlin thought happily.

"Thank you, Cait. And I promise you that I'll love you the same way, with every bit of my heart, mind, body and soul, every day for the rest of our lives." Caitlin nodded, smiling through the tears in her hazel eyes, knowing what Hawke was saying was the truth. "And, Dom's right about Gabrielle. She would have wanted me to find love again, and I finally have, even though it's been right in front of my face all this time. I have to tell you, Dom said something very funny the night I sent you those roses, when he flew me back here. He said that he thought you were going to turn down whoever sent them. And, I have to admit, that worried me, too—that even once you knew I had sent them, you'd turn down my invitation to dinner."

Caitlin's eyes filled with tears again, which only made her that much more beautiful to String. "Oh, String, you were worrying way too much about everything! The only reason I would have turned the guy down would have been if he wasn't you. After what happened, you're the only guy I'd ever go out with, because I know you'd never do anything to hurt me. I trust you with my life, String, just like you trust Dom and me with yours, and Dom trusts us with his. And I know you'd never do anything to hurt me, or take advantage of me, or anything like that." At least, you wouldn't take advantage of me unless I wanted you to. But, now that I think about it, if I wanted you to do it, then it wouldn't be 'taking advantage' of me, would it? Oh, who cares! Caitlin thought excitedly.

"And I have wanted you to understand how much I love you for so long, but like I told you before, I've just been worrying myself sick that you'd hate me for what happened with Sawyer. I know, I know, I'm repeating myself, but you know I do that sometimes when I get excited."

"I know you do, Cait, and I understand. And even though I know I'm repeating myself, I promise you that I'm going to spend the rest of our lives making you happier than you ever thought possible." I wonder if she caught it when I said, 'the rest of our lives', because I meant exactly that. I want to spend the rest of my days, however many I get on this earth, with Caitlin. "And I didn't, and I don't, blame you in any way for what happened before. Like I said, I blame Sawyer, period. End of sentence, and, I hope, end of story."

"Thanks, String. You already have made me happier than I thought it was possible to be, so I can't wait to see what happens from now on!" Suddenly, though, Caitlin noticed Hawke's features clouding over, and she knew he was worried about something again. "String, what's wrong?" What the heck can he be so upset about? Caitlin worried.

"Cait, we didn't"—Caitlin immediately realized what Hawke was worrying about. He didn't use protection. But I'm not gonna worry about if he got me pregnant, for Pete's sake! Like I'd be worried about getting pregnant with String's baby! Cait thought happily. That's something I want more than anything—to be mother to String's children someday. So if someday happens sooner than later, I'm fine with it! Now, if it was Sawyer's baby, I'd be sick to my stomach, because that would mean he lied and didn't use protection or something like that, but we already confirmed that I'm not pregnant—yet—so if it happens now, I'll know it's String's baby. She smiled warmly and lovingly at String before she continued.

"Well, then, if it happened, Mom gets that grandbaby she's been squawking at me about having. Don't worry, String. I wanted to feel you for our first time, so I'm glad you didn't use protection. I mean, sure, if we find out that I'm pregnant, it'll be a big adjustment for both of us, but I'm not worrying about it, so I don't want you to worry about it, either. Besides, remember how I told Mom 'I know I can't have a baby with a helicopter,' before the hijacking? Well, I would love to have a baby with a helicopter pilot, especially if that pilot was you, String. I would love to have you as the father of my kids someday, and if someday happens sooner rather than later, since I know it's going to be with you, I'm fine with it. Okay?" And if that means I get you for my husband in the bargain, then so much the better, Caitlin thought. Because I want to be so much more than just your lover, or your girlfriend—even though I love that I'm both of those! I want to be with you as your wife, and I want you to be mine, as my husband, forever!

"Okay, Cait. I just was worried about how you'd explain having a baby to your mom if you weren't married. But, I'll let you in on a little secret—even though we haven't been together romantically that long, I plan on taking care of that little marriage issue very soon. Because it's like I told you before—I'm not afraid of my feelings for you anymore, Caitlin, and I know that I don't just want us to be together tonight—but, forever. However long forever is, I know I want to spend it with you."

God in Heaven! I was hoping you'd say that, String! Caitlin thought excitedly. "And when you ask me, I know what my answer will be already, because I want us to be together forever, too. Of course I'll marry you, String! That's how much I love you. I mean, I thought I loved Villars and Sawyer, but I realize now that what I felt with them wasn't love. Now, thanks to you," she said, grinning at Hawke, "I know exactly what real love feels like. And I love you so much, String." Did I think 'if' that means I get String for my husband? Guess I don't have to worry about it, because String said he's going to marry me! And I cannot wait for the day I take his last name and become Mrs. Stringfellow Hawke! I swear, String just keeps on making me happy—happier than I ever thought I could possibly be!

"And I love you, Caitlin. I think I realize the same thing—what I thought I felt with Inge and Angelica wasn't love. I don't know what it was, exactly, other than it wasn't love. At least, not the same kind of love I feel for you. And don't worry—I'll never bring them up again."

"But what about"—

"You mean Gabrielle, right?" Hawke smiled when Caitlin nodded at him. "I loved Gabrielle, yes, but not the same way I love you. I don't think I was in love with Gabrielle, the way that I'm in love with you. But, I'm telling you, Cait, all I'm thinking about now is what's happening right here, right now, and the future, which I'm looking forward to spending with you. I promise you, Cait—you are the love of my life, and the woman I'm going to marry, real soon."

"That's all I wanted to hear, String. Now it's my turn to tell you something. You remember how, after you had to shoot Robert down, I thought I'd never get involved with anybody again, right? Well, the only reason I let myself get involved with Sawyer in the first place was, like I said before, because he was telling me everything I wished you would tell me—how beautiful I was, and that he loved me, and wanted to be with me, and all that malarkey. But since you weren't saying it to me, and Sawyer was, I bought it hook, line, and sinker. And the same goes for Robert—he was telling me everything that I was wishing you would, and since you weren't, I bought it from Robert hook, line, and sinker, and then I was dumb enough to buy it from Sawyer, too."

"I understand, and like I told you before, Cait, I promise you that from now on, I'm going to tell you how beautiful and sexy you are, and how much I love you and want to be with you, so often that I'm afraid you'll get sick of me saying it. And I certainly hope you don't think it's 'malarkey' when I say it."

"Never, String. When you tell me all these wonderful things, I know you mean every word of it, because that's the kind of person you are. And I could never get sick of hearing you say you love me, or telling me how beautiful and sexy you think I am. And I hope you never get sick of hearing me say how much I love you, and how sexy and handsome I think you are."

"I won't. I promise you that." Now, Dom might get sick of hearing us talk about each other like that so much, but then again, maybe not. Hawke remembered some of the stories Dom had told him and Saint John about their parents, and thought, I remember Dom telling Saint John and me how Mom and Dad were at the hangar, before we were born, so maybe he won't get sick of listening to Caitlin and me. As long as we don't embarrass him too much, I think we'll be just fine.

Caitlin relaxed when she saw the truth of Hawke's words shining in the steel-blue eyes she loved. "That's good, String, because I'm gonna be saying that an awful lot! And, I have something else I need to confess. The night of our first date, when I acted like I didn't believe you when you said all those wonderful things—everything I've always wanted to hear from you—I know you better than that, String. I know you never say things like that if you don't mean them, and I'm sorry for making it sound like I didn't believe you. It's just that—well—up until that night, you weren't telling me things like that very much, and the few times you did, it always sounded like you were teasing me or being sarcastic, so I wasn't sure how to take it, not to mention I was still worried about what would happen when everything else came out. Y'know what I mean?"

I knew it, Hawke thought, having considered just that possibility earlier. "I understand, Cait, and I know exactly what you mean, because I figured that's what you were thinking—that I'd never said things like that to you before without being sarcastic, or teasing you. As far as I'm concerned, though, it's all in the past now. All I'm thinking about is what's going on right here, right now, with you and me. If you need me to say it, I forgive you, Caitlin. For everything."

God, I love this man! I so don't deserve to be here in String's bed, and in his arms, after what I did, but I love him! With every bit of my mind, body, heart and soul! Caitlin thought, relieved. "Thank you, String. And just so you know," she said, grinning impishly at Hawke, "I forgive you, too. You know, we've proven something else I thought wrong," Caitlin said a moment later.

"What's that?"

"Well, just before Dom and I went into the office that day, I said, "String'll never see me that way. Especially after"—but that's when I saw you and told Dom we needed to go into the office, because I figured you heard me, and I didn't want you to hear me finish my sentence." She took a deep breath, then, noticing the look in String's eyes, continued. "What I started to say was, 'String'll never see me that way, especially after he finds out about what happened with Sawyer." Caitlin sighed as she recalled how nearly despondent she'd felt.

I knew it, Hawke thought. Aloud, he said, "I understand, Caitlin, and it's okay. I have to confess—I thought you might have been going to say something like that. And, you're right. We have definitely proven that wrong. I will always love you, and want you, Caitlin. I promise you that." He smiled at Caitlin again, even as he thought he recognized the look in her eyes.

"And I promise you the same thing. I will always love you, and want you, String.

"String, have I ever told you how much I love hearing you say my name? Not 'Cait' like you call me so much—that sounds like a shortened form of 'Cathy,' or 'Kathleen', or something like that—but I love hearing you say 'Caitlin.'"

"No, you never told me that before now, Caitlin. But I promise you, I'll be saying it a lot more often from now on."

"Thank you, String. And I'm going to be calling you 'String' a lot more often. I know I've always called you 'Hawke,' but now, that just sounds like I'm mad at you, or something, y'know?"

"Yeah, I do know what you mean, Caitlin. Y'know, I was thinking just a little while ago that I don't deserve you, but that I'm going to spend the rest of our lives trying to change that."

God in Heaven! He said 'the rest of our lives!' And that's not the first time he said it tonight, so he must be serious! Caitlin thought excitedly. Aloud, she said, "You want to know something funny, String? I was thinking that I didn't deserve you, after what I did! So I guess we just don't deserve each other, y'know?"

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I guess we're just two undeserving people who finally found each other. And like I said before, now that I've got you, Caitlin, I'll never let you go. Ever."

"I'm glad, because I'll never let you go, either, String," Caitlin said, grinning at him. "Now, do me a favor?"

"Anything you want, baby." Hawke smiled at her, hoping she could see how much he loved her reflected in his steel-blue eyes, the same way he could see her love for him in her eyes.

As she gazed into the steel-blue eyes that she loved and saw Hawke's emotions reflected in them, Caitlin felt the love that Hawke said he had for her rushing through her like lightning. "What I want is for you to stop talking and make me yours, Stringfellow Hawke. Now."

"Yes, ma'am," Hawke replied with a smile as Caitlin guided him back into her. He felt the love that Caitlin said she had for him rushing through him, and Hawke felt a peace in his mind and heart that he hadn't felt for a very long time. Wouldn't want you to think I can't follow directions, he thought.

When it was over, as Caitlin felt String pull her body tight against his, she felt happy tears flood her eyes again. I can't believe it. She sighed happily as she snuggled against String's body, but String forgave me, and he doesn't hate me for what I've done. And I sure hope I made it clear to him that I don't hate him for everything he did. because I know String wouldn't have slept with Angelica, or Inge, if he'd known how much I love him, just like I wouldn't have let Sawyer talk me into letting him sleep with me, if I'd known how much String loves me. But it's all out in the open, and we're together in spite of the fact that I know I danged sure don't deserve to be in his bed, and in his arms tonight. But I'm not going to waste any more time thinking about what happened with Sawyer anymore, because I'm right where I want to be—in String's arms—and whether I deserve to be here or not, dang it, that just doesn't matter anymore! The only thing that matters now is that String and I love each other, and that we belong to each other—forever. And soon, String and I'll make it legal, and then, she thought excitedly, we can start thinking about a life—our life—together, the way I want us to be. Caitlin stifled a giggle when a strange thought crossed her mind.

H mm. Wonder what the odds are on the Cowboys making the Super Bowl this year. because now, knowing String loves me the same way that I've loved him since I met him, and knowing that he's going to marry me, I feel like anything's possible! She couldn't believe when she'd seen String's eyes light up a few minutes ago, just before he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the sleeping loft. Just the way I'd always hoped they would. And I get the feeling that won't be the last time I see that light in his eyes, either. And I put it there. That makes me happiest of all. And, she remembered something String had told her on the flight to the cabin, String told me that I'm the reason he's had that light in his eyes so much recently, just like he said I'm the reason he's been smiling so much, the night he first asked me out, and told me he loved me. Guess I don't have to claw anybody's eyes out after all, and I don't have to worry about String never putting his arms around me—or his hands on me, or him touching me in any other way—again, either. Because finally, we belong to each other, now, and forever. Oh, sure, it's not legal yet, but that's just details. because I know, now, that I'm going to spend the rest of my life with String, and he told me he's going to ask me to marry him, soon.

Caitlin felt another happy tear in her eye when she recalled Hawke's answer to her question about the flowers, and then his response to her comment a few minutes ago, after her secret came out. I always knew String was a man of few words, but when he said 'yeah,' when I asked him about the flowers, and then 'no', a few minutes ago, I never thought two little words could make me so danged happy! String said he's going to make me happier than I ever thought possible—well, he already has, just by telling me he loved me, even though I slept with Sawyer. And now I know what Daddy meant when he used to tell me, 'never assume anything, Caity girl. because that just makes an 'ass' out of 'you,' and 'me,''' he used to say, just like Dom told me at the hangar that day. But I never understood what they meant until tonight! But I get it now, because I sure felt like an ass when I realized String still loved me, even though I assumed he wouldn't after what happened.

Then she thought of something else. Mom is going to absolutely flip when she hears that String finally came around to our way of thinking! She'll be so happy, but not near as happy as I am, especially since I've got the man I want, not somebody that Mom tried to set me up with, like she did a couple of times before I left Texas. But I know one thingMom owes String an engraved apology for everything she ever said, or wrote to me about him, and I won't rest until he gets it! Of course, String would probably say he deserved everything Mom ever said about him, and I guess he'd be right about that, but I still want to hear Mom apologize to him!

Caitlin sighed happily as she pictured what her wedding day to String would look like, with her family and closest friends there with her. I hope it happens, soon. Caitlin smiled at the vision in her mind's eye as she snuggled closer to Hawke, relishing in how she felt being in his arms, the way she'd always wanted to be. This is what love is supposed to feel like. What Sawyer and I did that night, that was just—sex. And it wasn't even very good sex. Caitlin stifled another giggle. At least not when I compare it with what String and I just did. Sawyer only slept with me to get me to keep my mouth shut about what he was going to do, anyway. Heck, just before he left me tied up on that ship, when I asked him about sleeping with me, he told me it 'didn't mean a thing,' so I knew right then that he'd been lying when he said he loved me. He didn't really even care about me. Not like I know String does, anyway.

What String and I did a few minutes ago, now that was making love. And, there is definitely a difference! She felt a tear in her eye when she remembered how it felt when Hawke kissed her the first time they went out on a date. Nobody has ever made me feel this loved, and especially not this much in love. None of the guys I dated back in Texas, nobody I've dated since I moved here, not Villars, and especially not Sawyer. None of them really loved me, even though I was gullible and naive enough to believe Sawyer when he told me he did. When we had sex, though, I felt like I'd need to soak in the tub for a week to wash the slime off my body. But when String kisses me, and holds me, and especially when he makes love to me, I feel every ounce of love he has for me, and I hope he feels how much I love him. I didn't think it was possible for a human being to feel as alive as I do right now! I hope like heck it feels just like that for the rest of our lives!

Caitlin felt happier than she could remember feeling in a long time as she felt sleep claiming her. And what makes me even happier is finally knowing that, in spite of everything, String loves me the same way I love him. The same way I've loved him since I first saw him, and the same way I'll always love him. String doesn't know it, but he already has made me happier than I ever thought it was possible to be, just by finally admitting that he loves me, and by acknowledging how much I love him. And I'm sure he'll keep on making me happy for the rest of our lives. Caitlin felt tears in her eyes again as she recalled something she'd told String. I can't believe I said 'you'd never take that chance on us,' because I never thought that String and I would ever be an 'us.' But now, we're together, finally. Suddenly, something Caitlin had said to Dom's niece, Holly Matthews, rang in her head. 'Let's just divide him up into sections, y'know, like a bull? You take the rump, and I'll take the shoulders!' Well, now the rump, the shoulders, and everything about Stringfellow Hawke are all mine, Caitlin thought happily.

Caitlin made a decision right then as she fell asleep. In the morning, I'm going to tell String I want to move in here with him. because after what we just did, I know I don't ever want to go to sleep without him lying next to me ever again. Then she reflected on what Hawke had told her about what his mother had told him when he and Saint John were boys. I feel so, honored, that String shared that information with me. He hardly ever talks about his folks, except to me or Dom. I guess, I guess that should've given me an idea how he felt. She sighed with happiness as she made herself comfortable in the arms of the man she loved, pulling his arms tighter around her body. The man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. She felt another wave of happiness envelop her as she envisioned the day that she and Hawke would be married.

Caitlin Hawke. It has a beautiful ring to it—and I can't wait until String makes me his wife. Even though we haven't been together romantically that long, we've known each other for almost two years, and I've loved String that whole time, so it's not that big a deal. Heck, Mom and Dad weren't together that long before they got married, she thought, and I remember Daddy telling Mom she was his best friend all the time. And, Mom told Daddy the same thing, even right before he died.

Hopefully, we'll get married here at the cabin, outside on the dock. Just String and me in front of a judge with Mom, Erin, Dom, and maybe Michael and Marella here with us. Or, heck, as far as I'm concerned, String and I could just fly to Vegas one weekend and elope, even though I know it'd drive Mom absolutely nuts if we did that. But I don't need a big wedding like my sister had, with all that Catholic pomp and stuff. Heck, look how that turned out for Erin! And I don't want that to happen with String and me, even though I don't think it ever would. I know that all I need, all I'll ever need, is String in my arms, and by my side, for the rest of my life. He's already made me happier than I ever thought it was possible for me to be, just by finally telling me that he loves me and wants to marry me, so I can't wait to see what happens from now on. I never understood what Daddy meant when he talked about a 'soulmate,' until right now, because I know without a doubt that Stringfellow Hawke is my soulmate! I sure hope String feels as happy as I do right now, even under the circumstances! I mean, I made some incredibly stupid choices, especially with Sawyer, but String—String forgave me for them, so that's why I sure as heck couldn't hold everything he did against him.

God in Heaven, how in the heck did I get so lucky as to find a man like String, and have him tell me that he loves me and wants to marry me, even after the stupid things I did before? I-I guess that means we're supposed to be together like this. Heck, maybe everything that happened, even me letting that bastard Sawyer sleep with me, was supposed to happen. Oh, who cares? The only thing that matters, now, is that String's mine and I'm his, forever, just like I thought before!

Oh, dang. I almost forgot the most important thing. Thank you God! Thank you so much for helping String forgive me, and not hate me for what happened! And even more important, God, thank you for bringing Stringfellow Hawke to Pope County, and for convincing me to come to California to find him after he left! Thank you, God, for bringing Stringfellow Hawke into my life! Caitlin finally allowed herself to fall asleep, happier than she'd been in a long time.

We both made some incredibly bad choices, but through all of it, we still managed to find our way to each other. And what surprises me the most is that Cait doesn't hate me, even after everything I've done in the past. I guess, I guess maybe that means we're supposed to be together. And, I know Dom's been worried about what would happen when Cait and I found out about each other's secrets. But they're all out in the open now, and we're together in spite of all that.

Something in the air felt different to Hawke, and the fact that he couldn't place the feeling frustrated him for a moment, until he recognized the feeling for what it was. I—I'm happy. For the first time since Gabrielle died—heck, maybe even longer than that—I'm honestly happy. That's why it took so long to figure out what I'm feeling, because I haven't been honestly, truly happy for so long. But right now, now that I've finally admitted how I feel about Caitlin and lying next to her holding her in my arms, I'm happier than I think I've ever been in my life, and definitely happier than I ever thought it was possible to be, just like I told Caitlin I'm going to make her. I think Caitlin's happy, too. At least, I hope she is. Hawke smiled as he pulled Caitlin's body tight against his, relishing in the feel of her skin against him.

Then, he heard Caitlin sigh as she moved closer to him and pulled his arms tighter around her body. That tells me all I need to know. Hawke felt a smile crossing his face. Now I know she's happy. And, I know the reason why. Hawke fought to stay awake as he felt Caitlin snuggle closer to him. Because we make each other happy. I mean, I know I feel how much Cait loves me every time I kiss her, every time I hold her in my arms, and especially every time we make love to each other, and I hope she feels how much I love her. And now, we don't have any more secrets, and we know we love each other. And somehow, I think this time, it's going to be different. Like I won't lose Cait the way I've lost so many others. At least, that's the feeling I get, if that makes any sense at all. And I feel like Gabrielle would want me to find love again, and I finally have. And I meant what I said about marrying Cait—I do want to marry her, real soon, and someday, hopefully, be the father of her children. It might seem weird, being in love with my best friend like this, but Dom told me that Mom and Dad were each other's best friend before they got married. And I remember Caitlin saying her mom and dad felt like they were each other's best friend, before he died. I'm just relieved that she forgave me for everything I did in the past. I guess it's like Dom and my dad always told me—'never assume anything, because it just makes an 'ass' out of 'you', and 'me.' I mean, I sure felt like an ass when I assumed that Cait wouldn't forgive me for what happened with Angelica and Inge, especially after she told me she did. And, God, I know you and I haven't exactly been on the best of terms, but I wanted to say thanks. Thanks for bringing Caitlin O'Shannessy into my life, and for keeping her around long enough for me to pull my head out of my ass about her, Hawke thought.

Hawke had to smile when he pictured Dom's face, after he heard the news. We are going to have one helluva story to tell Dom the next time we see him. Hawke knew that Dom had given them the next two days off. "Just, in case," Dom had told String before he and Caitlin left for the cabin. Dom was probably thinking we'd need the time to work things out after Cait told me about her and Sawyer, but boy, will we have a surprise for him. I'll make sure and tell Cait that in the morning, though. And, I'm sure Dom's been worrying about how I'd react to him lying to me about what was wrong with Cait, but I understand why he lied, so when we go back, I'll have to tell him that everything's okay, and that I don't hate him for lying to me.

Like I thought before, I know I've made some rotten choices regarding the women in my life, but Caitlin forgave me for every one of them. And the best choice I've made in a very long time was when I chose to admit how in love with Caitlin O'Shannessy I really am, and always have been. And now, Hawke thought as he relished in the feeling of holding Caitlin in his arms, we can start planning for the future. Our future. Hawke's smile grew in the darkness as he found himself picturing the day that he and Caitlin exchanged wedding vows, outside on the dock. Our future, together.

When Caitlin opened her eyes the next morning, she was startled by the dim light in the room she was in. Where am I? she wondered. 'Cause I sure know I'm not at home. The last thing I remember, I was having this wonderful dream about String, even though it didn't start out that way—I'd finally told him about what happened, what Sawyer did to me, and String—String forgave me, and then…suddenly, she realized there was a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders, and as her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw Hawke's ice-blue eyes staring back at her. God in Heaven! She thought. But—it was a dream, everything that happened! Wasn't it?

Almost as if he read her thoughts, Hawke smiled and said, "Caitlin, last night wasn't a dream. I really forgave you for what happened between you and Sawyer, and we made love. More than once, as I remember." Hawke grinned when Caitlin blushed slightly.

"Yeah, String." Caitlin sighed happily as she wrapped one arm around his neck. "I—I was just so surprised when I woke up here, in your bed, and found your arm around me. I just thought it was all a dream, y'know?"

"Well, if it's a dream, Caitlin, then I'm having the same wonderful dream you are. Just relax, okay? Last night wasn't a dream. I promise you." Something occurred to Hawke. "You're not having any regrets, are you?"

"Excuse me? Regrets? Not in a million years, String! Why would you even ask me that?"

Ouch, String thought, remembering something Dom once told him—Don't operate mouth, unless brain is engaged.' And my brain obviously wasn't engaged when I said that. "I-I'm sorry, Caitlin. I wasn't thinking when I asked you that."

"Well, okay." Caitlin's face suddenly clouded as a thought crossed her mind. "Do you have any regrets?"

I deserved that, Hawke thought. He smiled and answered, truthfully, "Not a one."

"Good."

Caitlin suddenly glanced at her watch. "God in Heaven! Look at the time! String, we've gotta hurry, or we're gonna be late!"

"Caitlin, I forgot to tell you something last night—we've got today, and tomorrow off. Dom figured we'd need some time after I found out what happened, and I think he was worried about how I was gonna react to him not telling me about your secret, but we don't have to be back at the hangar for two more days."

"H mm, I think I like the sound of that," Caitlin said, smiling suggestively at Hawke. He's probably worried about how I feel about him keeping String's secret, too, she thought. I'll just have to tell him that it's okay, like String's gonna do.

"I thought you would." Hawke smiled lovingly at Caitlin, even as they joined their bodies again.

"Y'know, String," Caitlin said later that afternoon, "I—I really hate to bring Sawyer up again, and I promise, this'll be the last time, but he said something real interesting to me when I first met him, and I actually thought he gave a damn about me. He told me, 'The more you're willing to risk, the greater the reward.' Well, I was sure risking everything when I told you what happened!"

"I know, Caitlin. And, I hate to agree with the bastard, but in this case, Sawyer was right. I mean, I know I risked a whole lot when I told you how I really feel about you, but the reward has been better than anything I ever dreamed would ever happen to me."

"I'm glad, String."

Two Days Later, Santini Air…

"Hey, Dom!" Hawke said as he and Caitlin climbed out of the helicopter, back at the hangar. "You okay?" Hawke saw the expression on Dom's face when he and Caitlin got out of the helicopter, and he wondered what Dom looked so anxious about. Maybe this will help him relax, Hawke thought as he reached for Caitlin's hand and smiled at her. I'll bet he's been worried sick for the last two days about what we talked about. Well, like I thought the other night, we've got a helluva surprise for him!

Caitlin smiled back at Hawke when she felt him grab her hand in his, but like him, her mind was on Dom. What the heck is he so worried about? I guess we'll find out, together, she thought.

"String! Cait! Glad to see you back!" Dom said, smiling as the couple grabbed each other's hands as they walked to meet him. "Sure, I'm fine. I'm just wondering—is everything okay with you two?" They look happy enough, but are they just putting on an act for me? Dom wondered.

"We're just fine, Dom," Caitlin said, smiling up at String. "We spent a lot of time talking, among other things we did while we were gone, and everything's good."

"Everything?" Dom's tone sounded anxious, and he was relieved when Hawke smiled and nodded at him.

"Yeah, Dom," Hawke said, "Everything. Cait told me about what happened between her and Sawyer, and I figured out that you were keeping her secret from me. And," Hawke smiled when he saw Dom's expression change to worry, "it's okay, Dom. I understand why you were keeping the secret, but everything's good, like Cait said."

"String, I swear, that's good to hear!" Dom said as he embraced Hawke and Caitlin. "I've been worrying myself almost sick for two days straight that you'd be angry with me for keeping that secret of Cait's from you, and I'm glad you understand why I did it."

"Yeah, Dom, I understand why you did it," Hawke said. "And, I appreciate that you kept my secret, as well as hers. Trust me, Dom, I know how hard that must have been for you." He grinned at Dom, who nodded in recognition. "So, whataya say we get some work done around here?"

"Sounds like a good idea, String!" Dom laughed as the trio walked back into the hangar, and got back to work.

"String, I have to tell you, I love that you and Cait have finally acknowledged what I thought all along! And, the fact that it makes you so happy is just a bonus. I never thought I'd see you smiling like this again, String, but now that I am seeing it, I hope like heck it never changes!" Dom smiled at his younger foster son and was not surprised to see him smile back. He's happy again, just like I thought he'd be if he ever pulled his head out of his ass about Cait, Dom thought.

"I am happy, Dom. Now that Cait and I know how we feel about each other, and that we've got all our secrets out in the open, I haven't been this happy in a very long time." The only thing that would make me happier would be if Saint John was here, with us, Hawke thought. Someday, though, he will be. I know it.

"I'm sure glad to see that!" Dom said, smiling at Hawke.

"So am I," Caitlin said as she walked up and slipped her arm around Hawke's waist. "And, I'm glad I've been able to draw that smile out of String. Like Bobby said, he looks good when he smiles! And if I've got anything to say about it, he'll be doing a lot more smiling from now on!" I should've figured Dom was worrying about us, she thought, even though he didn't need to. But he didn't know what went on back at the cabin while we were gone, so it makes sense that he was worried, she thought. Daddy would've been the same way.

"Sounds good to me, Cait," Hawke said as he gently kissed her cheek before they walked back into the hangar.

"Me, too! I don't know about you, Cait, but I like String a helluva lot better when he's smiling! He's a lot easier to be around!" Dom couldn't help but remember how Hawke had been when he first met Gabrielle, and Dom could tell Caitlin was having the same type of effect on him. Which I had a feeling she would, if String'd just quit being so darned stubborn and acknowledge how she felt about him. Well, I'm sure glad he did! Like I thought before, I had a feeling that String would be able to be happy if he'd just acknowledge what was so obvious to me—that he loved Caitlin, and that she loved him the same way. Gee, it's nice to be right once in a while! Dom thought excitedly.

"I love seeing String smile like this, especially when he smiles at me," Caitlin said. "When he smiles at me like that, I know everything's right in my world."

"Funny you should say that, Cait, because I was thinking the same thing about when you smile at me. When I see that 'million-dollar' smile of yours, I know everything's okay, and right in my life." He smiled down at her again before he kissed her.

"All right, all right!" Dom said, fighting to keep the smile off his face. "You two are going to give me cavities, with all this sweetness!" But, I'm not going to complain about it one bit, he thought happily, because it means String has finally dropped that danged idea that he's cursed! Or at least, he's not going to worry so much about it!

"Sorry about that, Dom," String said after he caught his breath. "And, we'll try not to embarrass you too much."

"Aw, heck, that's okay, String. Your folks were the same way—always kissing each other, even here at the hangar. This place needs more happiness and love like you two have, so I'm not embarrassed!"

"That's good to know," String said. "And I remember you telling Saint John and me about how Mom and Dad would get sometimes." String chuckled as he remembered a few particular stories he'd heard. Like the time Dom told us about walking into the office, and finding Mom and Dad there under a blanket on the couch—but, they'd dropped enough of the blanket that Dom could see they were both naked as a couple of jaybirds, Hawke thought, smiling. We won't let things go that far, but I can guarantee you'll be seeing a lot more happiness, and love, from both of us.

"Y'know, String, I didn't think I'd be able to keep both your secrets, and again, I apologize for doing that, to both of you," Dom said, smiling at Cait and String. "And, about my expression when you guys came in—I-I was just worrying that you holding hands and smiling like that was just an act you were putting on, for me."

"Well, I can't speak for Cait, but I accept your apology, Dom, and I understand why you were keeping her secret from me," Hawke said, grinning at him. "And it makes perfect sense that you were worried about us, even though you didn't have a reason to be. You didn't know that, though."

"And I understand why you were keeping String's secret from me, Dom," Caitlin said, smiling at him before drawing Dom into a warm, friendly embrace, "String explained what he wanted to stay between the both of you, and why he wanted it to stay between you two, and it's all good. I accept your apology, too."

"Thanks, both of you," Dom said, relieved. I've got a funny feeling, Dom thought as he watched Hawke and Caitlin together during the rest of the day, that there's going to be a wedding before too long. I mean, String never does anything halfway, so it'd only make sense that he marries Cait, soon. And, I am so relieved that their secrets didn't destroy their relationship! If anything, he thought, I think having those secrets come out may have made it stronger. And, he thought, allowing his imagination to run away with him for a moment, they're gonna give me the cutest grandbabies. Maybe a couple of little girls with String's blue eyes, and Cait's red hair. That'd be just perfect. I just hope God lets me hang around long enough to see them! And, I never thought I'd see String smiling like that again, but like I said before, I think it looks damned good on him! And I hope he never loses that smile, now that he's found it again!

"Y'know, String, Bobby was right," Caitlin said as they closed the hangar.

"About what, Caitlin?"

"You do look good when you smile!" Caitlin grinned at Hawke and was relieved, and excited, when he smiled warmly and lovingly back at her.

"Thanks, Caitlin. And, I think I'll be doing a lot more smiling from now on, thanks to you."

"I'm glad, String." Caitlin smiled at Hawke again before he kissed her. "I mean, when Bobby said that, I was thinkin', 'You're dang right he looks good, Bobby!'"

"I've always wondered what you were thinking when Bobby said that. And, I'll tell you something else, Caitlin. You have the most beautiful smile I've ever seen." Hawke was not surprised when Caitlin blushed furiously.

"Thanks, String." She smiled at him again as they finished closing down the hangar.

That night, Hawke told Dom he'd take Caitlin to the cabin, and that Caitlin would be staying the night, so Dom wouldn't have to come get him the next morning.

"And," String said, smiling, "I wouldn't be surprised if we start spending a lot more nights up there, together."

"Ooh, that sounds good," Caitlin said, smiling up at him. "Actually, I forgot to tell you something, String. I—I want to move into the cabin, permanently." It doesn't surprise me that I forgot to tell him, Caitlin thought. It's not like I haven't had other things on my mind the past couple of days!

"You're serious, Cait?" As soon as he said it, Hawke regretted his words. I should know better than that!

"Darned right I'm serious. After going to sleep in your arms the past three nights, there is no way I want to go to sleep alone, ever again! You understand me, Hawke?" Not to mention waking up naked in your bed in each other's arms, and peppering you with kisses like I did the first morning we were there, String, the way I always wanted to. Or having you kiss me awake before making love to me, like you did this morning. I swear, that's better than coffee to wake me up!

Ouch, Hawke thought. I deserved that, though. That was kind of a dumb question, but like Dom always taught Saint John and me, 'the only stupid question is the one you never ask.' Aloud, Hawke said, "Yeah, Caitlin. I understand, and I love the idea. And, I'm sorry I asked if you were serious. I know better than that."

"Apology accepted," Caitlin smiled back at him. "Just don't ever do that again!"

"I promise you, I won't." Hawke said. Because if I ever did, you'd probably kick my ass all the way back there, just like you told me you were gonna do, he thought.

"Good."

"Well, kids, we've got nothing on the schedule tomorrow, so I will be at your disposal," Dom said, grinning. Now, I know they're gonna get married soon! He thought excitedly. "And, you two go ahead and use one of the helicopters to get back and forth—that way, I'm not having to get here at the crack of dawn to come and get you, String."

"Sounds good, Dom, and thanks," Hawke said, smiling at his foster father.

"Okay, you two! Have a good evening, and I'll see you both in the morning!" Dom said, smiling as Caitlin and Hawke lifted off, headed for the cabin. Dom drove home with a lightness in his heart that he hadn't felt in quite a while, knowing that two of his favorite people had finally found each other. I sure hope you could see what's been going on these past few weeks, Alan and Jane. You two would be so happy to see that String's finally found someone he can really love. And this won't be just a fling, I have the feeling. This is forever. Dom smiled at the notion of String and Caitlin getting married, someday soon. I just hope I get to see it, and that I get to see my grandkids. A couple of kids, maybe a couple of little girls, with String's eyes and Cait's red hair, like I thought about before—that'd be just perfect. Dom smiled later that night as he went to sleep, knowing that String was finally, truly, happy.

"Caitlin, there is one other thing I want you to understand." Hawke took a deep breath before he continued. "I may not be worrying as much about the curse, like I told you before, but that doesn't mean that I'm giving up on trying to find Saint John, or at least figure out, conclusively one way or the other, what happened to him. I-I just hope you can accept that."

"Of course I can accept it, String," Caitlin said, glancing over at him in the pilot's seat, and smiling at him. "I know how important finding Saint John is to you, and to Dom, and I'll be there with you, every step of the way. I'll help you any way I can. I promise you that."

"Thanks, Caitlin." Hawke said, glancing over at her and smiling.

"String? Do you know when I first started loving you?"

"No."

"When I first saw you glance at me in the cell back in the Pope County Jail. Even then, I knew I was in love with you, even if you couldn't—or wouldn't—admit that you felt the same way. And I understand why you felt that way, like I said before. Heck, if I'd lost as many people in my life as you have, I might be the same way."

"Well, Caitlin, I think I started loving you the same time, even though I denied it for so long. But," he said, smiling as he looked over at Caitlin in the co-pilot's chair, "I promise you, I'm going to spend the rest of our lives making up for the way I treated you for so long." Thank you, Caitlin, for giving me back my heart, even though it now, and forever, belongs to you. And thank you for showing me that I can love someone again.

"Thanks, String." Caitlin hoped her face wasn't flushing at the rush of hormones she felt. And again with 'the rest of our lives'! God in Heaven, I love this man!

"And, I've been thinking about something—about the way you and I used to snap at each other for no reason—I hate to admit it, but I think I was snapping at you so much because I was trying to avoid my real feelings," Hawke admitted, embarrassed.

Nice to know you can admit it, String! Caitlin thought with an air of satisfaction. "I understand, String. I-I think I was snapping at you for the same reason—I mean, since you wouldn't admit how you felt about me, I was hiding from how much I loved you, and I figured it'd be easier to hide from my feelings if I just snapped at you, just like you were doing with me. I understand, and I don't hold it against you." Caitlin smiled at Hawke as they landed on the dock, Hawke shut the helicopter down, then they both unstrapped and climbed out, reaching for each other and wrapping their arms around each other as they walked back into the cabin.

"I'm sure glad to hear that, and there's one other thing I want to tell you, Caitlin. Inge and Angelica—they were just—distractions, women that I thought I could have fun with. I couldn't see myself spending my life with either of them." Especially once I realized how evil Angelica really is, Hawke thought. I could never see myself with a woman like that. Now, Caitlin, I can definitely see myself spending the rest of my life with, and someday, hopefully, starting a family with. I mean, I'd love to be the father to Caitlin's children, and I know Dom would love a surrogate grandchild, or two. But, we've got lots of time for that.

"Who could you see spending the rest of your life with, Stringfellow Hawke?"

"Only one person, Caitlin, and that's you." Hawke smiled at Caitlin, all the love he felt for her shining in his eyes, and kissed her again.

While they ate dinner, Hawke said, "So, you told Dom about what happened? Is that what you were talking about when I walked into the office and saw you crying?"

"Yeah, String. I mean, Dom figured out what happened between Sawyer and me, but I swore him to secrecy about it, 'cause I figured that if you found out, I wanted to be the one to tell you about what happened."

"I understand, Caitlin, but I hope you understand that you can tell me anything."

"I do understand that, String. And, I hope you know that you can talk to me about anything, too, especially now. That's what people do when they're in love—they're there for each other, like I'm always going to be here for you."

"And, like I'll always be here for you, Caitlin. I promise you that." Hawke smiled at her, then stood up and kissed her across the table, only separating them when he realized that he had to breathe.

"String, do you know why I kept glaring at you and Rosalind that time?" Caitlin asked a little while later.

"I've always wondered about that," Hawke answered, "even though I think I know the answer."

"Well, if you already know the answer, why should I tell you?" Caitlin asked, grinning mischievously at him. "Oh, I'm teasing, String! I kept glaring at you and Rosalind because of how much I wished I was the one you were dancing with."

"I was thinking you'd tell me I was being conceited again, if I said that," Hawke replied, "but, I figured that's why you were glaring at me all the time, and in this case, I'm glad to know I was right." He smiled at her again, and Caitlin knew that all was right in her world. Just like I feel every time he's smiled at me, lately, she thought happily.

I have never felt as happy as I do right now, Caitlin thought as she moved into Hawke's arms later that evening at the cabin. She could still remember how excited she felt when, as soon as he cleared the dinner dishes, Hawke turned on his stereo, held out his hand, and said, "Caitlin? Dance with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask, String. I would love to dance with you!" Caitlin said as she took his hand and allowed Hawke to pull her to her feet, and into his arms. I never thought it was possible for another human being to feel this way. So—so alive, and so very much in love! But when I'm in String's arms like this, and we're holding each other, that's exactly how I feel. It's like I belong in his arms, and he belongs in mine. She looked up into Hawke's steel-blue eyes and saw every ounce of love he felt for her shining in them, and Caitlin knew Hawke was seeing the same love in her own eyes. "String? This is gonna sound awful strange, but please tell me I'm not dreaming!"

"Trust me, Caitlin, you're not dreaming. Why would you ask me that?"

"I dunno. I guess it's just old insecurities or something like that. I-I mean, I have dreamed of being in your arms like this for almost two years, and now that it's happening, it-it just doesn't seem real!"

"I think I understand, Caitlin. If you need me to say it again, I will. I love you, Caitlin, and I'm in love with you. And I always will be. Nobody, or nothing, could change how much I love you, or how in love with you I am." He smiled down at Caitlin and gently pinched her right arm before he added, "And, I'll tell you that every day for the rest of our lives, if you want me to." Dad used to tell Sinj and me that Mom was his soulmate, Hawke thought, and I never understood what he meant—at least, not until now. Because I've found my soulmate in Caitlin. And I will tell Caitlin that I love her, and that I'm in love with her, every day for the rest of our lives, if she wants me to. I mean, I think that's the least I can do, to make up for ignoring Caitlin's feelings for so long.

"I wouldn't mind hearing that you love me, and that you're in love with me, every day for the rest of our lives, String," Caitlin said, grinning up at him, "and I feel the same way about you. I'm in love with you, more than I ever thought I could be in love with anyone. And I'll always be in love with you, too. I'd love nothing more than to be in your arms like this for the rest of my life—I mean, the rest of our lives!" There he goes again with 'the rest of our lives'! I never believed in Prince Charming, until String admitted how he feels about me, she thought excitedly. But now, I believe. I believe String is my Prince Charming, and just like I told him before, now that he's mine, I'll never let him go! I swear, I'd love to spend the rest of my life just like this, in String's arms. At that moment, she felt Hawke's erection press against her, and felt the area between her legs growing warm and wet in response when she gazed up into Hawke's eyes again, and her pulse quickened when she saw the emotions in them. Well, okay. So there are a few other things I want to do with you, and to you, just like I'm sure you've got other things you want to do with me, and to me. And just like that song I heard this morning says, String, I can tell you've got plans for me! And I am so ready for them!

"Well," Hawke replied, a mischievous grin spreading over his face, "there are some other things I want to do with you, and to you, but all in good time. After all, we'll be together for the rest of our lives." Caitlin nodded, smiling suggestively at him.

"M mm…I can't wait," Caitlin replied, sighing happily as she laid her head against Hawke's chest, "Because there are some other things I want to do with you, and to you, too." Not to mention whatever you're planning to do with me, and to me. And, she thought, I'll still be in String's arms when we're doing those things—upstairs, in his bed. I figured there were other things we'd both want to do with each other—and, to each other. Some of them have got to be illegal—at least illegal back in Texas. Here, I'm not so sure. Caitlin sighed as she and Hawke swayed gently to the romantic music coming from his stereo. This feels like home, being here, and being in String's arms like this. I mean, I've always felt at home here, but I never understood why, until now. And after tomorrow this will be my home. And soon, I'll be Mrs. Stringfellow Hawke. Finally. And he said it again—'the rest of our lives!' She sighed as she pictured her wedding day to Hawke, outside on the dock.

"Caitlin, you okay?" Hawke's voice sounded worried.

"Never better," Caitlin said, smiling up at Hawke, a mind-blowing smile that melted his heart. "I was just thinking about when we get married." Which will be the happiest day of my life, I have no doubts, Caitlin thought. Or at least the happiest day since String admitted his feelings about me.

"I understand. And it's gonna happen, real soon, Caitlin. I promise," Hawke replied. Heck, if I didn't know Caitlin's mom would throw a fit, I'd say let's fly back to the hangar, and then catch a plane to Vegas right now, he thought, but I've got a funny feeling that her mother would never forgive either one of us if I did that.

"I can't wait." Caitlin smiled again as she leaned back into his warm embrace, resting her head on his chest. As far as I'm concerned, we could fly to Vegas and get married tonight, she thought, but Mom would never forgive us if we did something like that.

"Well, I guess we'll have something to tell any of those women who come lookin' for you, String. I guess we'll just have to tell them that you're officially off the market!" Caitlin smiled at Hawke, even as she thought, I can't believe I'm the woman that took you off the market, String, especially compared to some of the women I've seen you with! And, like Meg Ryan said in Top Gun, there are hearts breaking wide open, all over the world tonight! Or at least, they will be, when those other women find out you're mine, and off the market!

"Then, I guess we'll just have to tell any of your old dates that you're off the market, too, Caitlin." Hawke said as he grinned back at her. And I'm glad I'm the one who took you off the market, Caitlin, because I just couldn't stand living my life without you.

"Something tells me that won't take long—telling my old dates that I'm off the market, I mean." I mean, I haven't had a date in so long—before the last few weeks, anyway—that I doubt any of those guys are gonna come looking for me to ask me out again. But they don't matter anymore, because I'll never go out with anybody but String for the rest of my life! Caitlin thought happily.

"That's good to know." Hawke smiled at her before he continued, knowing something else had to be said.

"Caitlin, there's something I need to tell you. Remember when you said you thought there was something wrong with you? I need you to understand that there was never anything wrong with you—it was my own stubborn, stupid paranoia that kept me denying how much I love you. Don't ever feel like there was anything wrong with you. Okay?"

"Okay, String." Caitlin's eyes shone with all the happiness she felt at Hawke's words. God, I love this man! She thought excitedly. "String, there's something I need to say to you, too. Something that's been bugging me for a very long time. Do you remember how you kept saying that I never would have been on Flight 093, if we had never met?" She paused, gathering her courage, then continued when Hawke nodded, "For crying out loud! How many times did I tell you and Dom both that I was ready to leave Texas way before I ever met you, because of how frustrated I was getting with Mom? Do you have any idea how arrogant that sounds, you saying I wouldn't have been on that plane if we had never met?"

Hawke hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yeah, Caitlin, I do. Because Dom has told me the same thing, almost every time I said that to him. I was just being too stubborn to listen to him. I'm sorry."

"That's okay, String. I'm just relieved that you can admit it." Caitlin smiled happily up at Hawke. "I mean, I was scared to even tell you about it, because I didn't know how you'd react, but I finally decided it needed to be said, y'know?" It's a danged good thing I did know String and Dom when the plane got hijacked, though. because if I didn't, I'd be dead right now, along with Amy and everybody else who was on the plane.

"Yeah, I do know, and I understand. It's okay. Caitlin, do you remember the night everything came out, when you told me to take you back to the hangar so you could go home?"

"Yeah. I was just so scared, like I've told you before, and then so impatient when you kept stalling, before you finally made love to me. But why is that important now?"

"Because I wanted to tell you something. I made a decision after you told me to take you back to the hangar—I knew I didn't want to take you back, but if you had taken the helicopter and gone back yourself, then first thing the next morning, I would have called Dom to come get me, and we would have gone out to the Lair, gotten the Lady, and flown to Texas to find you, and bring you back here." Hawke glanced into Caitlin's eyes and was relieved to see an expression of happiness and love shining in them. "We would have been coming to bring you home."

Caitlin sighed happily at Hawke's words—"we would have been coming to bring you home." Home. What a beautiful word, especially since I know home is here, with String. And tomorrow night, this will be my home, permanently. And soon, like String said, we'll be married, and be together forever. Heck, like I thought before, if I didn't know Mom would throw a fit, I'd say let's fly to Vegas right now and elope—that's how ready I am to be String's wife. But, I know Mom would be incredibly disappointed and upset if we did that, so I'll wait. I just hope like heck String doesn't make me wait too long! I mean, if I know Mom, she'll want to give me the big church wedding like I heard she gave Erin, but I don't need all that! Everything I need is right here, in my arms—Stringfellow Hawke. Finally, Caitlin said, "I'm glad to hear that, String. because I know I wouldn't have been happy if I'd left. But now, I don't have to." She snuggled closer in Hawke's arms. "Because now, I know I'm right where I belong."

"Caitlin, something's been bugging me ever since Horn. Dom told me what you said to him in Michael's limo. What exactly did you mean, when you said, "I care about him, too, y'know. Probably more than you know'?"

"I meant that I love you, String, but I—I was just scared. Scared because of what Michael had told us—he told us he was giving us 48 hours to rescue you and Airwolf, and then he said, 'and then I'm hitting that location with everything I've got.' So I knew that if we didn't get you out, that at least Zebra Squad would've been coming after you. Plus, there was no way I was gonna let Dom go in there alone! That's why I told Michael that I can fly Airwolf, too."

"I bet Michael wasn't very happy to hear that," Hawke said.

"That's putting it mildly, String," Caitlin said, grinning. "He almost turned purple, he was so mad! But, I told him that you and Dom taught me, and nothing could undo that, and that's when he decided to let us go after you."

"And, I'm glad you did. I owe you and Dom both my life for that, Caitlin. And," Hawke added, "I think I know the perfect way to show you just how grateful I am, and to start showing you just how much I love you." He smiled and scooped Caitlin up in his arms, heading for the sleeping loft.

Caitlin gasped when she felt Hawke scoop her up in his arms, but she knew exactly where he was taking her. That's exactly what I was hoping you'd do, String! Caitlin thought excitedly. The only question, she thought as she heard her shoes hit the floor, is what we're going to do with each other, and to each other, once we get there. Whatever String decides to do with me, and to me, I can't wait!

String was right about our bad choices, but they're all behind us now. Now, finally, we're together, just like I've been hoping we would be ever since I first laid eyes on him. And now, we can start thinking about the future. Our future, she corrected herself with a gasp as Hawke scooped her off her feet and headed to the sleeping loft. Our future, together.

THE END.