A note from Sammy: (please read)

I got quite a few questions after last week's story from people wanting to know how Stuart had wiggled out of the trouble he was in at the end of the stories I wrote about Carrie's promotion/stalker.

I love and respect our readers, and cherish their continuing support, too much to do anything but tell you the complete truth. So here goes. When I chose to use Wendy and Stuart in last week's story it was because I completely forgot how Stuart had been involved in the previous stories. It's as simple as that.

I don't want you to think that these stories and this universe aren't important enough to me for me to keep the details straight because they very much are. It's just that 'fic amnesia' has been an issue for me for many years. LOL

I have only ever written in one other fandom and that was The West Wing. My stories there all tended to be extremely long (in the 200 page range). One day I got an email from someone that described the plot of a story and asked me if I could tell them where to find it. I wrote back and told them that the story sounded familiar but I couldn't quite place it and I was sure if they threw the question out to the entire group (this was in the days when most of fandom happened on yahoogroups) someone would be able to help them. I told them to be sure to include as many details as they could think of in their request. For example-Do you know who wrote the story? I got an email back a few minutes later that said-"Yes I know who wrote it. You did." Oh...my...well...that was embarrassing.

I have no idea why or how but fic details leak out of my brain at an alarming rate after I've posted. I apologize. Once we get through Easter and Steve and Catherine's anniversary I promise you I'll figure out a way to deal with the whole Stuart mess. It may require a tiny bit of retconning and a healthy dose of hand waving but I will do it. Stay tuned.

.

Mari's note: Sammy that kind of honesty makes me proud to be your friend.

Sammy and Ilna, you are the awesomest!
REAL McRollers and Readers we love you all.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who are celebrating!

Hoppin Down the Bunny Trail

Angie's eyes lit as they took in the festive decorations filling the sectioned off lawn area for Pearl Hickam's annual Easter party. Children of deployed service personnel, as well as those whose parents were stationed locally, including reservists, ran back and forth between the grass and the building laughing and squealing as they located colorful hidden plastic eggs filled with prizes.

"Down, Apa, go see!" She wiggled until her new purple-sandaled feet hit the ground. Keeping hold of one tiny hand, Joseph tossed a huge smile at Elizabeth who reached for their granddaughter's other one. "See, Ama!"

"Okay, let's go see." He chuckled at her excitement, both grandparents letting go only when she was safely on the soft grassy area.

"Ohhhh!" The toddler pointed to one of fifty or so pastel beach balls that were scattered on the lawn. "Ba!" She picked it up and attempted to toss it, but turned quickly, giggled and tried again when it dropped behind her.

"Hey, gorgeous, where'd you get that beautiful dress?" came a familiar voice and Angie momentarily forgot the ball and squealed, "Re Re!" at the sight of her godmother.

"Ama, Re Re!" She pointed.

"I see her." Elizabeth grinned as Carrie scooped Angie into her arms. "And you're wearing the pretty shoes Aunt Carrie bought you to match your dress."

"Look at that, they do match perfectly." Carrie grinned.

One of the Easter outfits Elizabeth had picked up was the purple and white polka dot dress Angie was currently wearing paired with a new pair of sandals courtesy of Aunt Carrie. Knowing there would be several cute outfits being bought, Carrie had texted her best friend's mom for a photo of each so she could get matching shoes. She'd been tempted to buy a sparkly purple headband as well but knew Angie wouldn't leave it on for more than a few seconds.

Both women smiled when Angie held up a little foot.

"See, Re Re? P'itty."

"Very pretty. You're totally stylin', beautiful girl. Did she meet the Bunny yet?" Carrie asked as she placed the toddler back down. She was on duty but coordinated a break with Angie's visit.

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, we were waiting because Catherine texted she and Steve were able to get away." She smiled as Joseph took off after the little one who'd spotted a colorful plastic egg.

"See, now, watching Papa Rollins carrying that purple and pink basket just made Aunt Re Re's day." Carrie chuckled when Angie did as her grandpa instructed and placed the egg inside. "The only thing better is gonna be getting a picture of Steve holding it."

"I heard that, Stagler," Steve said as he and Catherine approached from the parking lot.

"A tisket a tasket, McGarrett," Carrie answered while she and Catherine briefly embraced.

He rolled his eyes. "I have no idea what that means."

"It means who'd of thought there'd ever be a picture of you holding a basket of something other than grenades?" She reached into her uniform pocket to pull out her phone. "But in the meantime, look at that cuteness happening." She pointed the lens across the lawn to capture Angie placing eggs in the basket as Joseph followed close to her side.

After dropping another egg in her basket Angie stopped, her eyes focused on an African Tulip Tree a few feet away.

"Look at her." Carrie chuckled. "She is totally trying to figure out if she can climb that tree."

"We're a few years away from that yet," Steve scoffed.

Carrie snorted. "You wish."

Cupping his hands, Steve called, "Angie!" and shared a grin with Catherine when their daughter's head whipped in their direction.

Running across the lawn at top toddler speed, she called, "Dada! Mama!" in a definite outdoor voice before leaping the last two feet into her father's arms.

"Ahh be dah ba! Mama, see!" She turned to Joseph and made grabby hands for the treasure trove of eggs. "Dada, ha egg puh-po."

"That's right, that's a purple egg." Catherine kissed her cheek and took her from Steve for a hug before the excited toddler wriggled to get down. "Did we miss the bunny?" She asked her parents.

"As soon as you texted you could both get here, we decided to start outside," Joseph said.

Catherine knelt and took Angie's hands to focus her attention. "Do you want to see the Easter Bunny, sweetheart? He's inside." She pointed to the building. "He's a really big bunny," she said to prepare her. "Not like Grace's Hoppy."

"Bun-ee!" Angie clapped and looked around. "Biiiig Bun-ee!"

"Okay, let's go." Steve held out his hands to carry her, but she shook her head.

"No." Clearly wanting to walk herself, Angie started off in the direction her mother had pointed.

"Ha, determination, that's Aunt Carrie's girl." The blond Lieutenant Commander chuckled as she watched Steve McGarrett follow the almost two year old across the open field. "Lead your troops, Admiral McGarrett." She slipped an arm through her best friend's and the women shared a smile.

/

"Bun-eeeeee!" Looking from one family member to another, Angie was literally hopping herself when she spotted the fuzzy, white character seated on a decorated chair wide enough for several people.

There was a line of about ten children of varying ages waiting, and a few were a little uneasy with the character up close. Several parents, and even teenage siblings, were joining the kids for photos so they would be more comfortable. One little boy, about thirteen months old, was sniffling as his parents carried him out of the greeting area while telling him he was a very brave boy. He nodded and was quickly distracted as he studied the stuffed baby chick the bunny had given him.

Seeing the tears, Angie pointed and turned to Catherine, her little face looking concerned. "Baby cwy."

"He was crying, but look, his Mommy and Daddy made it all better." Her voice was gentle and Angie brightened.

"Awww, you're the sweetest, Miss Angie, do you know that?" Carrie bent and kissed the headful of soft curls.

Angie grew excited when a set of twins on the bunny's lap laughed uproariously. "See bun-ee, Mama!" She tugged Catherine's hand towards the line. Once there, she began chatting with a boy about her age. While the adults didn't understand a word, the toddlers were laughing in seconds and the child's dad had introduced him as Daewon and his wife and himself as Tina and Andre.

In less than ten minutes, Daewon had taken a turn on the bunny's lap, received a stuffed bunny as well as a chocolate one, and waved bye, bye to Angie.

As he stopped, then ran back for a last hug with the fuzzy animal, one of the teenage volunteers dressed in spring colors and headbands sporting white, fuzzy ears waved. Her name tag read, Bunny Assistant Heather and she turned to Catherine to say, "Ma'am, you're next. We'll call you up in just a sec."

Just then a petty officer who'd greeted Carrie with, "Good to see you, Ma'am" when she returned his salute, was confirming with Steve that Angie could have edible treats.

Upon Heather's motioning them forward and her instructions to "Come on up, cutie!" Angie clapped with glee.

"It's your turn, sweetie," Catherine said as Elizabeth and Carrie began snapping photos and recording. "Let's go."

" 'ess go," she repeated, but before he lifted Angie to enter the gaily decorated 'bunny area' Steve sat on his haunches to look her in the eyes. "Do you want Mommy and Daddy to sit with you?"

"No," was the animated response as the toddler leaned forward. "Dada, go!"

Catherine hid a grin and patted his shoulder. "Like father like daughter. Okay, baby girl go say hi to the bunny."

Standing for just a second to study the figure that was easily a head taller than Steve, Angie followed what she'd seen the others do and without hesitation, climbed up onto the Easter Bunny's lap. When she gave him a spontaneous hug, even the helpers let out simultaneous, 'Awwwws'.

"Mama, Bun-ee!" She patted the soft fur gently, as she did to Cammie.

Steve and Catherine were at either side and each stepped back a bit when Heather said, "Smile, cutie!" and Angie complied.

Behind her phone, Elizabeth was beaming as Joseph said, "Wave, Angie! Can you wave and say, 'Hi Grandma Ang?' "

"Hiiii Ama Ang!" she called, looking around happily. Carrie whispered, "Perfect!" knowing how much Ang would love it. She'd elected to skip the egg hunt since walking on the uneven terrain in the heat wasn't ideal for a senior. She planned to spend her morning making several pies for Aunt Deb's welcome dinner later in the day. Besides, her ladies group had hosted a hunt of their own in the condo complex two days before, complete with a plethora of snacks including some of Kaitlyn's pastel frosted cupcakes and several varieties of Jacob-approved cookies.

Stepping closer to place a hand on his daughter's back, Steve said, "Can you say 'Thank you?'" when she was presented with a stuffed yellow duckling and a chocolate bunny.

"Tank-ooh," Angie repeated, and as Catherine leaned in from her other side Carrie snapped a photo of the smiling couple and their gleeful little girl.

"Bye, bye, bun-ee!" The toddler waved from Steve's arms and, while clutching her new ducky, held out the candy treat to her mommy. "Mama, do!"

Catherine unwrapped the chocolate and broke off a piece, putting the rest away in her bag. "Here you go, take small bites."

To be continued Monday in part two!