AN: Thanks to Mari for being a wonderful beta. I know I veered farther outside of canon than she likes to go. All the mistakes are mine. I can't stop playing with it. The story is complete, but I haven't divided it up into chapters completely. I'll post decent sized chunks every day or every other day (depending on work and real life) until it's done. Constructive criticism is much appreciated.

Steve had been looking for a chance to apologize to Mary for his reaction to Joan. Getting a moment alone in the kitchen with his sister during the cookout he was hosting seemed like a good start.

"Mare, I know I was harsh when you first adopted Joan, but you are a really good mother. You are building a good life for the two of you. Joan is a great kid. I really want to be a part of her life. In fact, I was thinking maybe I could watch her some time."

"Thanks Steve. I'd really like that. You're so good with Grace; I know Joan is going to be lucky to have you in her life," Mary said as she gave her brother a hug.

"I love you Mare and I love Joan."

~~HW 5 0~~

When Mary didn't call, Steve figured he needed to make the first move so she would know he meant it. The question was, how?

At lunch, Steve decided maybe Danny could help him out. He had experience having an adult relationship with his sisters. Given that his sister had asked him to straighten Eric out, clearly at least one of them trusted Danny with her kid.

"So I was a little harsh with Mary when she first adopted Joan, but she's a good mother. I told her that and that I want to be supportive; get to know my niece. I think I need to make the first move. But I'm not really sure what to do. Joan's a little young for me to take her to do anything. Asking Mary to bring her over to the house seems like lots of work for Mary, but I don't want her to think I'm checking up on her if I offer to come over. What did you do for your sisters?"

"Well, look at you, trying to improve the mammal to mammal communication. I'm impressed. My sisters and I have a totally different relationship. They're older than I am. I was a teenager when Eric was born. Plus, they couldn't even believe Rachel left me alone with Grace when she was a baby."

"Really? You were already a detective when Grace was born and you and Rachel had been married a couple of years right?"

"Well, yeah, but their husbands didn't really do diapers or infants. And I'm the kid brother. It took them awhile to see that I was more hands on with Gracie than they were used to. Why don't you ask Catherine to help smooth things over?"

"I want Mary to know it's from me, not something I'm doing to win points with Cath. Cath has actually looked after Joan, but only when I'm working or away on reserve weekends. This needs to come from me."

"So Catherine likes babies? That's interesting."

"What's so interesting? Kono likes babies too. A woman can have varied interests."

"Kono is not in her 30s, in a relationship with a man who won't call her his girlfriend. Kono did not just leave active duty military service to live near a man who won't call her his girlfriend. I'm fairly certain that Adam would happily start an honest branch of the Noshimuri family with her in a heartbeat."

"God, Danno. I'm not that big an idiot. Cath and I kept things casual when we weren't really in a position to be serious. And she didn't leave active duty for me, we did talk about it and she is staying in the reserves. But girlfriend just doesn't cover it. She's more than that. I want to marry her and start a family together. But we've never been in one place together to be sure that our relationship really works when being together is not a time limited special occasion. We've seen couples flame out when things get real. We want to make sure we really work. I asked her to move in with me. She wants to keep her own place until we're sure. I'm sure. I just need to pick out a ring and figure out if it's worse to piss off the Admiral by not talking to him before I propose formally or piss off Cath by talking to the Admiral before I propose formally."

"Steve, do you do anything half way? You went from not admitting a commitment to being ready to marry a woman in what, like, 7 months. That's fast."

"It's not that strange. We've known each other for a long time. We're just cautious."

"Because cautious is something you do so often. Also, why is it even a question about whether or not you ask Catherine's dad for his permission to marry her? Of course, you, do. That's what honorable men do in the civilized world."

"Seriously Danno? Seriously? I thought your comments about "letting" Cath work for Billy were just poor wording, but I really wonder. Cath doesn't need her father's permission to do anything, and she certainly doesn't need mine. I know it's tradition, but Cath hasn't asked her father for permission to do anything in a very long time. I know she doesn't like the idea, and I can't say I blame her. Her analysis of intelligence data helped drive American foreign policy, I don't think she needs her father's permission to get married. I also know the Admiral, and I respect him, I do want him to know that while Catherine is absolutely capable of taking care of herself, I love her and I want to make sure she doesn't have to face anything alone. I was thinking maybe I could talk to him before I give her a ring and tell him that, without actually asking his permission. I'll probably end up with both of them mildly pissed at me, but I think Cath forgives faster."

"OK, I guess I'm just more traditional than you are. But you're right; I shouldn't have talked about you "allowing" Catherine to do anything. My history with Rachel clouded my judgment. But back to this Mary and Joan situation, I think I've got an idea. Grace's school is having a family carnival thing in a couple of weeks. You can offer to bring Joan along. It might make Mary feel better if she knows you have back-up. I know you can handle yourself, and it sounds like the practice might be good, but new moms can be a little nervous. This way you'll have me and a bunch of other parents around."

"That's a good idea. But what about Gracie? Is she looking forward to time without Charlie?"

"Nah, Grace has asked about Joan. She likes babies even with Charlie around. And she loves her Uncle Steve. You are a good influence on her. Hell, now that you've got your act together with Catherine, you guys could end up being the most functional relationship she knows. And I'd be thrilled if she figures out what she wants out of life before she gets married and has kids. Although, hopefully she chooses someone who gets shot at and caught in explosions less than you do."

"Thanks, Danny. That means a lot," say Steve. "While Cath and I didn't make any promises she's been it for me for a long time. There was that period when we took a break, and she dated Billy, but except from those months, it's only been Catherine since we first got together in San Diego when I was 28. I know it's not driving lessons, dates, and a two-bedroom in Weehawken, but it worked for us. It's also not something; I made Cath do. She's always been more wary of commitment than I am. She grew watching what a marriage to an active duty sailor looked like. I haven't been stringing her along or using her."

"Steve, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you treated Catherine with anything less than respect. I should know better. This also explains why you've been largely oblivious to other women all these year." Danny decides to change the subject. "So how long before you and Cath start popping out the next generation of Naval Intelligence?"

Steve shruged. "The kid thing is still under discussion. I'd like three or four, fairly close together, starting as soon as we can make it legal, since we aren't getting any younger. Cath is thinking more like one or two and wants to get more professionally settled before she's pregnant. She's the one who actually has to be pregnant, so we'll probably start with one in the next couple years and figure it out from there."

"That sounds like a good plan. Although, I find it funny that you are opposed to asking her father before you propose, but traditional enough that you want to make sure you are married before you knock her up," said Danny.

"Well, even though she'll only be in the reserves, it's still easier paperwork wise with the Navy if we are married. Plus, while things have come a long way, the Navy can still be a boys club and traditional. A female officer who is pregnant without being married is going to take some shit from the old guard. Some of it about not wanting to have to deploy if needed. If we are married it will be more expected, the same guys that would cluck about her getting pregnant to avoid deployment will be buying Annapolis bibs. Plus, while Cath isn't very religious her family is. Her grandfather was a Navy Chaplin. It's not like it really changes our time table, so why put her in the position to have to listen to her aunts bitch about a shot-gun wedding? Plus, I want our kids to know they were part of a plan. As part of the whole Doris fiasco, I found out my parents lied about when they got married. Instead of being born 18 months after they got married, I was born six months after they got married. I kind of wonder if Doris had to make a quick exit she wasn't ready to make, and that was one reason it was so easy for her to walk away from us."

"Look Steve, I'm not going to hold your parents up as a role model for how to handle family life but from what I've heard from Chin and Duke, your dad adored you and Mary. And while your mother is a piece of work, she really clearly does love you and Mary in her own messed-up CIA agent kind of way. Your parents weren't teenagers. As much as you have your plan, and I think it's a good plan, wouldn't you be over the moon if Catherine announced tonight that she was pregnant?"

"Yeah, I would be. I would be. I hope you're right about my parents. I just want to do better."

"Steve, I'm sure you will. "Not faking your own death and sending your children away from the one living parent, is a pretty low bar to exceed."

~~HW 5 0~~

Steve never did get a chance to take his niece to the carnival. A few hours after Danny and he got back from lunch, he got a call from Duke saying that Mary and Joan had been in a car accident and were being taken to The Queen's Medical Center.

Catherine insisted on driving Steve to the hospital. When they arrived in the ER, Duke was there to meet them. He explained that a drunk driver crossed the center median on the highway plowing into the driver's side. Mary was in serious condition and being evaluated. Joan appeared uninjured thanks to her car seat, but was being checked out just to be sure.

Duke gently guided Steve and Catherine over to where Joan was being treated and introduced them to the young female doctor examining Joan. Joan was screaming, and Steve felt panicked.

The panic must have showed on his face. "Commander McGarrett, your niece appears to be just fine," as she picked Joan up and handed her to Steve. Joan quieted somewhat.

The doctor continued "There she's much happier with a familiar face. She'll probably have some minor bruising from the car seat straps, and she may be a bit sore. We've given her some children's ibuprofen, and you'll probably want to give her some regularly over the next several days. We'd like to keep an eye on her a little longer. Plus, the attending pediatrician needs to take a look at her. She should be ready to go home this evening."

"Thanks. That's a relief," said Steve smiling at the doctor.

At this point, Joan started trying to worm her way out of Steve's arms and into Catherine's. Steve looked startled. Catherine said "Steve, why don't you give her to me and you can go check on Mary."

Pretty quickly Joan stopped whimpering and snuggled up against Catherine, who took that opportunity to call Danny so he could update 5-0. "Hey, Danny, I just wanted to give you an update. It was a drunk driver. Joan is fine. All I've heard about Mary is that she's in serious condition. Steve is checking on her now. It sounds like they're going to let us take Joan home tonight, but we may be here awhile waiting on Mary. We're going to need a new car seat, some diapers, bottles and well whatever else goes in a diaper bag."

"That's good news Catherine. I'll tell the team, and we'll organize getting the stuff together. Keep us posted," said Danny.

"Thanks Danny."

"No problem, Catherine. I've got to go; it looks like Chin needs to talk to me."

"Bye."

Just then, the young doctor that had been in earlier came in followed by a grandfatherly looking doctor. "Hello, I'm Dr. Hale and you met Dr. Walker earlier. Let's take a quick look at your little girl, and you can take her home," said the grandfatherly looking doctor.

"Her mother was also in the car accident. Her uncle is checking on her," said the young doctor.

"I'm a friend of the family," Catherine.

Dr. Hale took Joan from Catherine's arms. "Well, let's get a look at her."

Joan seemed apprehensive about the older man, but calmed down when he started making funny faces as her while he checked her over.

"Well, other than some minor bruising from the car seat straps, she seems fine. It does look like she's getting a new tooth, so she maybe fussy and run a low grade fever. You should give her children's ibuprofen to help with any pain from the being bounced around and the new tooth. Letting her chew on wash cloth that you've dampened and put in the freezer may also help."

Just then Steve stepped into the curtain area. The doctor said "You must be the uncle. She's just fine, although teething, so she'll be fussy. I'm sure she is fine, but if there are changes in her breathing, any blood in her diaper, or her belly seems tender or rigid, bring her back in."

Steve said "I'm a trained Navy field medic. It sounds like I should be looking for some of the same things we'd look for in an adult, but we can't rely on her to tell us what is up. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's exactly right," said the doctor. "A nurse will be in shortly with discharge papers and then you can take her home. Or I guess to wait on word about her mother. I hope she is doing well. She's in good hands."

Steve sits down in the chair next to Catherine. "I'm so glad Joan is fine. Mary will probably be fine, but it will be a long road. She's got a concussion, a crushed pelvis, some other internal injuries, and a bunch of bruises. She's in surgery now."

Catherine shifted to hold Joan with one hand and took Steve's hand in the other, squeezing his hand and saying "It will be all right. And I'll be here to help you. I called Danny and let him know that Joan was fine, and Mary was in serious condition. I also asked him organize getting a car seat for us to take her home in and put a diaper bag to get us through today."

"Thanks Catherine. You're a life saver," said Steve as he leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

~~HW 5 0~~

Meanwhile, at 5-0 Headquarters, Danny was filling Chin and Kono in on Joan and Mary.

"Guys, Catherine says Joan is fine, and Mary is in serious condition and will need surgery. She asked us to get together a car seat and diaper bag for Joan. I also need to call the Governor and update him. I think it would be better if he didn't call Steve until we know more about what's up with Mary. And we need to wrap-up this case up. I'm going to see if Rachel can help us out. She likes Steve."

Luckily, Rachel was happy to help out. She called Danny to meet her at the car about an hour and a half later, just as the team was wrapping up the case.

"Any news Danny?" asked Rachel.

"No, Steve called a little awhile ago. Mary's still in surgery."

"Well, please send our best to them. Grace wants you to give Joan, Steve, Mary, and Catherine hugs from her. Where I could, I used Charlie's old things; it seemed faster. This car seat from Stan's car was hardly used. I found a few gender neutral outfits, some books and toys and stopped at a drug store to stock the diaper bag. I also thought Steve might be able to use the Pack N' Play so Joan has a place to stay."

"Hey, Rachel, thank you so much. This will be a huge help."

"You're welcome. These people mean the world to Grace, so I'm happy to help."

~~HW 5 0~~

After Joan was discharged, Steve and Catherine took her to the surgical waiting room. They hadn't been there very long when Danny came in.

"Any news?" asked Danny.

"No, not yet," said Steve. "They warned me it could be awhile."

"Well, she's strong, I'm sure she'll be fine. I've got stuff for Joan in a diaper bag and more stuff in the car. Rachel actually put it all together. Some of it is Charlie's outgrown stuff. There are toys, bottles and stuff in the diaper bag. Grace sends hugs for all of you."

"Thanks, man," said Steve.

"Danny, please thank Grace," said Catherine.

Danny sat down to wait with them. Joan started to cry, and Catherine jiggled and patted her. After realizing the diaper was a bit squishy, Catherine said "Oh, so that's your problem, Joan. Guys, it's time for Joan and me to hit the head."

"Cath, you don't need to change her, I can," said Steve.

"I noticed a sign for a changing table on the ladies room door, it's fine. You should be here if they have any word about Mary," said Cath.

"How are you doing Steve? And don't tell me fine," said Danny.

"Well, I think I'm going to get to spend more time with my niece. From what I know, this is going to be a long recovery, with 3 or 4 months where caring for a baby will be physically difficult for her. Plus, Mary's apartment is just a temporary rental. She has to be out by the end of next month. She's looking for a permanent place. So I guess I'll move her stuff into my place, and we'll figure it out from there," said Steve.

"I think that sounds like a good plan. You know that I'll help you guys out. Chin and Kono too. I talked to the Governor today. He's put you and Catherine on leave for the next few days. Then he'd like you to give him a call, and you guys can work something out. He mentioned part-time work and doing some of the paperwork and research from home. He clearly considers you and Catherine a couple. And far be it from me to nag, but don't put off making any decisions too long because of this."

"Thanks Danny. I kind of forgot about the Governor. And I won't wait too long."

Steve saw Catherine carrying Joan down the hall. Catherine was pointing things out and chatting with the little girl. For one brief moment, he forgot he was waiting on word about Mary, and let himself think about a little girl with brown hair and brown eyes like her mother. He liked the idea.

Just as Catherine reached Steve and Danny, a nurse came out and said "McGarrett family?" Steve waved her over.

"Hi, Ms. McGarrett is stable. It's taking time to control the bleeding, but she is stable. I just wanted to give you an update."

"Thanks, we appreciate that," said Steve.

After the nurse left, Chin and Kono joined the group. Chin asked, "How is Mary?"

"A nurse just came by and said they are still working on her, but she's stable," said Steve.

"Well, we thought you could use some food, so I brought sandwiches and stuff," said Kono holding up two bags.

"Also, I got the details on the accident from Duke. The Van Horne kid that sold his brother's security code was the driver. He was out on bail pending trial. He'll live. His BAC was 2.0, and he tested positive for coke. He was driving on suspend license. This isn't his first DUI. His license was suspended because of a previous DUI."

"Son of a bitch," said Steve. Then he looked at his niece and realized he should watch his mouth.

Everyone else nodded, because there really wasn't much more to say.

The group ate and took turns entertaining Joan. They were the only people in the waiting room. Eventually, a doctor came out and walked up to the group and says "McGarrett family?"

"Yes," said Steve.

"I'm Doctor Kane, I just finished Ms. McGarrett's surgery. It took us some time to control the bleeding, but we did. I had to use some screws to do the repairs, but she should fully recover. Rehab will take awhile, but she should make a full recovery. They are getting her settled in recovery and you should be able to see her soon. I'm afraid you can't bring the child to recovery. Once she's settled in a regular room which won't be until at least tomorrow, the child can come visit as long as she doesn't have a fever."

"Thank you Doctor," said Catherine.

Danny, Chin, and Kono left. Steve, Catherine, and Joan headed over to the recovery waiting area.

"I'll stay with you until you can see her. Then I think I should take Joan home. I've got Mary's spare key. I think it will be easier for me to crash there tonight, and we can see about moving Joan into your place tomorrow. Remember, I'm here for whatever you need."

"Thanks Cath. I'm not sure how I would be making it through with you."

~~HW 5 0~~

Steve sat by Mary's bed waiting for her to wake up. She started to stir and then in a groggy voice said "Joan, where is Joan?"

"She's fine Mary. She wasn't hurt. Catherine took her home. They don't allow small children to visit here," said Steve.

Just then a nurse came in and shooed Steve away, while she checked on Mary, saying that she would be ready to move to a regular room soon.

In the new room, Mary started to apologize. "Steve, I'm so sorry that you're going to have to take care of Joan for awhile, I know I said this wouldn't happen."

"Mare, getting hit by a drunk driver isn't your fault. Even if you weren't a single parent you would need some help. Joan is my niece; of course I'll look after her. Catherine is going to help. You just concentrate on getting well."

"Thanks, Steve. I'm fading again. You should go home and get some sleep. You can bring my Joanie to see me later."

"I think I will Mary. I'll be back."

AN #2: I'm a little disappointed the Steve and Catherine don't appear to be actually living together. I'm a little worried about McRoll. Not that I need to see something every week just that they may have gone backwards.