Notes in chapter 1
Set on Fire
"So how does Catherine spell her last name now?" Catherine's cousin Chris asked his brother. "Is it two r's and two t's?"
Unbeknownst to him, Catherine was coming over to them and couldn't help but overhear. "Nope, still two l's," she said from behind the two men.
Chris and Philip turned to her.
"Huh?" Chris asked in confusion.
"R-o-l-l-i-n-s," Catherine spelled with a grin.
"What does Steve think?" Philip asked.
"Steve–" Catherine began.
"Understands completely," Steve said, joining them.
Catherine smiled at him as his arm slid naturally around her waist.
"So you guys discussed it?" Chris asked.
"I fell in love with Catherine Rollins, and now I'm married to Catherine Rollins," Steve said simply. "What's there to discuss?"
"It's my name, and it's important to me," Catherine explained. She smiled, softening her words to show she passed no judgement on those who took their husbands' last name or used both. "It's a personal choice. And this is my choice."
Steve smiled, tightening his arm around her and nodding.
Philip smiled. "Well, that's Cath right there," he said. "Always making her own choices. Whether it was joining the Navy or keeping her last name."
"You got that right," Catherine said firmly.
Steve nodded, looking at her and smiling. "And that's one of the many, many reasons I love her."
Several of the younger children were gathered near the edge of the dance floor, bopping to the music and, having what looked like a very important discussion while Danny, Gabby, the Cuzzis and Kelly Hart looked on.
"Who's you fav'rite pwincess?" Joan asked Sophia.
"Ariel!" the five-year-old answered instantly. "And Belle. And Aurora."
"I like Elsa," Emily, one of Catherine's cousins' daughters said.
"Me, too," her younger sister Lindsey immediately agreed.
Kaitlyn grinned. "Me, too! And Anna."
The girls all nodded, and Joan beamed, happily recognizing every name. She looked up and asked, "Unca Danno, who's you fav'rite pwincess?"
"Leia," he deadpanned as Steve and Catherine joined them.
Joan blinked at Danny blankly.
"No, you fav'rite pwincess," she said again, as if he hadn't understood the question.
He grinned. "Clearly I'm going to need to talk to Mary and Aaron about expanding your knowledge of princesses, my dear."
Joan pointed to Catherine with a toothy smile. "Ann Caf pwincess."
"That makes you a prince, Uncle Steve," Kaitlyn teased shyly.
Danny snorted, looking at his partner. "You, a prince."
Steve quirked an eyebrow, and Joan clapped enthusiastically. "Unca Teeve pwince!"
Al Cuzzi laughed heartily. "That's a good one. Prince Smooth Dog."
" 'mooth dog'?" Joan asked.
"Yeah, munchkin. That's what we called your uncle Steve back in the day."
"Unca Teeve Pwince 'mooth Dog?" she asked, her small forehead creasing as she tried to make sense of the statement.
"Prince Smooth Dog, Prince Smooth Dog!" the girls chanted, giggling.
"Would you look at what you started?" Steve complained, shooting a mock glare at Danny.
He balked. "Me?" He pointed at Cuzzi. "That was him."
The girls began marching in a circle around the adults, still chanting, "Prince Smooth Dog! Prince Smooth Dog!"
Steve shook his head. "This better not stick."
Danny chuckled. "I think you're okay as long as Jadon doesn't overhear. He'll never forget it."
Joan bounced happily along in the middle of the group of girls, completely in her element.
Danny grinned. "Take lots of pictures because she won't remember any of this."
"Yes, she will," Steve said, and Catherine smiled at his confidence.
Kaitlyn's eyes widened as she watched two cakes being wheeled out towards the center of the room. The first had three square tiers with white icing, tone on tone filigree details and fondant flowers in various shades of purple. The second was a single layer sheet cake in the shape of an anchor with gray and green camouflage frosting.
"Why are there two cakes?" Jacob asked as the cake table came to a stop and, after locking the wheels, Boris handed Danny the clip on microphone once again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention please, Jacob has brought up an excellent question. Why are there two cakes? Anyone care to hazard a guess?"
"One is the groom's cake," Al Cuzzi called out. "The flavor of which is the one decision the groom gets to make all on his own in the whole wedding planning process."
Danny chuckled. "That may actually be a true … " Danny felt the eyes of every married woman in the room glaring at him. "You know … I'm not gonna … yes, it's a groom's cake. So now if Steve and Catherine would please join me … "
The bride and groom made their way across the room and took their places beside Danny.
"So, Steven, what flavor did you decide on for the groom's cake?"
Steve grinned. "Pineapple."
"You did not," Danny said disbelievingly.
"I did. And the sample cake was delicious so I can't wait to have a piece."
"Catherine … save me … what flavor is the main cake?"
"Vanilla raspberry," Catherine said. "And the sample of that was delicious, too."
"Alright," Danny indicated the cake knife and two small plates with forks. "Time for you to make the first cut. But before you do I just want to say … I think you're gonna wanna be in one piece for the honeymoon, partner, so if I was you I wouldn't do the cake smush thing."
Steve rolled his eyes then picked up the knife. Catherine placed her hand over his and the two of them slowly cut the cake giving various guests a chance to capture the moment on their phones. After placing a small piece of cake on each plate Catherine and Steve each picked up a small piece and offered it to the other.
Steve took his bite smoothly but at the last second as Catherine went to take hers he moved his hand ever so slightly downward resulting in some of the frosting landing on her bottom lip.
"Oh, sorry," he grinned, clearly anything but, as he leaned over and kissed her bottom lip, sucking off the icing in the process.
"Very slick, Commander," Catherine whispered when he pulled away.
Dylan hid his face in hands at the sight of yet another kiss while Jacob remained focused on the fact that there were two cakes. "Whose should I eat?" He turned to his mother anxiously. "I love Aunt Catherine and Uncle Steve."
"You can pick whichever cake you want," Jenna assured him.
"I think I better have a piece of each," the young boy said decisively. "That way nobody gets their feelings hurt."
Jenna smiled fondly, then chuckled. "That way you also get two pieces of cake, huh?"
Before Jacob could respond Boris stepped up beside her and addressed Kaitlyn. "Would you like to meet the pastry chef who made the cakes?" he asked. "He's in the kitchen right now and if it's okay with your Mom I can take you back and introduce you."
"Can I?" Kaitlyn asked Jenna hopefully. "Will you go with me?"
"You make sure Jacob doesn't eat all the cake," Casey said, smiling at her mother. "I'll go."
Kaitlyn smiled broadly, grabbed her sister's hand, and followed Boris towards the kitchen.
"While I've got you both here," Danny turned to Steve and Catherine, "this seems like it would be the perfect moment to reveal the honeymoon location you've been keeping secret. Where's it gonna be?"
Catherine looked at Steve who nodded encouragingly.
"Okay," she smiled, "I guess we've waited long enough. You all made a lot of good suggestions-Grace came strong for Paris while Jacob was equally as passionate about Universal Studios, home of the Minion ride."
Jacob pumped his fist excitedly.
"We talked about possibly going somewhere cold but got rid of that idea pretty quickly," she continued.
"Smart," Hoss called from somewhere in the crowd.
"Once we decided we wanted to stay in the warm weather it was a pretty easy decision." She smiled at Steve as he dropped his arm across her shoulders. "We've both travelled all over the world and seen the most beautiful beaches known to man but in the end, none of them can compare to the one right outside our back door. So we'll be staying right here for our honeymoon. We can't think of anywhere we'd rather go."
"I was right!" Carrie raised her arms in celebration. "I called it."
Catherine chuckled. "I thought you might." She smiled at those gathered around them. "So many people have come a long way to celebrate with us, and we want to be able to spend as much time with you as we can." She smiled. "And we can't do that if we head off on a plane right after the wedding."
"Oh, honey," Elizabeth said, reaching over and squeezing Catherine's hand. She smiled at Steve. "Knowing the two of you, I'm not surprised."
"We're also planning to get started on remodeling our bathroom," Steve said.
Danny rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Of course you are. Only Steve and Catherine would hear 'honeymoon' and think, 'bathroom remodel.' " He shook his head in amusement. "Well, that's all well and good, but that's not where you're staying tonight."
Steve and Catherine turned to face him more fully, both curious. Danny looked around to make sure the rest of the wedding party was close. He gestured to them and explained, "We all chipped in and arranged for you to stay in the Orchid Suite at the Halekulani until Monday."
"What?" Catherine's eyes widened in surprise. She looked around. "You guys … "
"Our treat," Carrie said, stepping over and hugging her. "Enjoy."
"But … " Steve tried to protest.
"Esther's going to stay with Cammie," Danny said, and Esther nodded with a smile. "You don't even have to go home first. We took care of everything you'll need." He leaned closer to Steve and muttered, "Not that that's much."
"You really didn't have to do this," Catherine said.
Grace hugged her. "It's your honeymoon, it'll be sooo romantic."
"Well, when you put in that way," Steve said with a wink, accepting a hug from his niece.
He and Catherine looked at Danny, Carrie, Chin, John, Mary, Kono, and Cody who were all smiling proudly at their surprise.
"Thank you," Catherine said sincerely.
"Yes, thank you," Steve echoed.
Catherine shook her head, smiling "You guys are too generous."
"Must have picked that up from you," Kono said with a grin as they hugged.
While the others started talking about the amenities at the suite, Steve leaned over and asked Danny, "What if we really had been getting on a plane after the reception?"
Danny shrugged. "Hey, I've got a girlfriend who likes champagne and getting pampered." He smiled, clasping Steve's shoulder. "But Carrie seemed pretty confident, and I know you, babe."
Steve smiled back. "Thanks, Danno."
"It's your wedding night, my friend, I want you to enjoy it. I just don't want any, and I mean any, details."
Minkus & Milo finished their set and passed the music duties for the rest of the evening to local DJ, Mamu Pula. At the edge of the dance floor, Hal Mills offered his hand and smiled. "Catherine, may I have a dance with the beautiful bride?"
She nodded happily as Steve was folded into a hug by Deanna.
Catherine returned Hal's smile as they began to dance. "We're thrilled you could make the trip. It means so much you could be here."
"We wouldn't have missed it, darlin'. We've hosted a lot of midshipmen over the years," he said with a glance at Steve and Deanna who were talking, Steve's hand clasped firmly in both of hers. "None more special than Steve. Dee thinks the world of that boy. Always has. We both do."
Catherine nodded. "It's mutual, you know. You made him feel like he had a place … when he couldn't … didn't think he could go home. I'll never forget that, Colonel, ever." She kissed his cheek. "I know Steve never has."
"You're a peach, young lady. I said it the first time you came by the house. I said, 'Dee, this girl's as special as he is. She's just what he needs.' "
Catherine kissed his cheek. "Thank you. And you two are the best." She glanced at Steve and Deanna, still chatting a few yards away. "You're staying the rest of the week, right?"
"That's right, we got in yesterday."
"We'll have to have dinner, the four of us, before you leave the island."
"It's a date."
Catherine smiled. "Now, tell me all about your beautiful granddaughter Hallie starting at the Academy this year."
His blue eyes sparkled. "My favorite topic."
As they drifted around the floor and Hal began to fill her in, Catherine couldn't help but think his granddaughter Hallie had a grandparent much like Grandma Ang.
"Uncle Joseph?" Dylan approached him and Elizabeth with Kaitlyn.
"Yes, Dylan? Do you kids need anything?"
"Kaitlyn has a question." Dylan encouraged his sister gently. "Go ahead."
"How come there's a table with only one place set up near the door?" Kaitlyn asked shyly about the small table to the side of the room's main entrance that was set with a white tablecloth, white place mat, plate, bread plate, cloth napkin and utensils.
Joseph nodded that he would explain and guided them over to the table in question. The children listened as he stood near the empty chair.
"That's an excellent question, Kaitlyn." He gestured to the table that was often featured at military weddings and gatherings and returned her tiny smile. "This table is here to honor service members who have fallen in the line of duty. Remembering them honors their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. It also shows the importance of the commitment to duty made by everyone who still serves and by our veterans."
Kaitlyn and Dylan nodded attentively, and Elizabeth placed a hand on each child's shoulder as Joseph continued.
"Everything on the table means something very special. The place setting shows that the bride and groom wish that the fallen men and women of the armed forces could be here to celebrate with them.
The white candle stands for hope, and the rose is for the families who love the men and women who serve.
The wine glass is upside-down to show that the fallen won't be able to participate in the happy toasts at Aunt Catherine and Uncle Steve's wedding, and see the lemon? It's sprinkled with salt. That represents bitterness and the tears people cry over the service members who we miss."
"Like Uncle Steve's grandpa?" Dylan asked. "Cody said he died at Pearl Harbor."
"And his friend, Sophia's dad?" Kaitlyn added.
Joseph nodded at Dylan and placed a hand on Kaitlyn's cheek. "Yes. Like Uncle Steve's grandfather and Sophia's dad, Freddie, who was his very good friend."
She nodded in understanding. "That's a really good idea 'cause people shouldn't forget."
"You're exactly right, sweetheart." Elizabeth kissed the top of her head.
"Thanks for explaining," Dylan said. Looking at his sister, he added, "I bet Cody and Casey don't know that. Let's go tell them."
As the kids moved off to find their siblings, Elizabeth squeezed her husband's hand gently, and nodded to indicate Catherine and Carrie talking quietly with Kelly at the far side of the room, while on the dance floor, Sophia Hart was dancing with her grandfather, standing on his feet.
Cody tugged on his tuxedo jacket awkwardly, standing with Jess.
"You look really cute in your tux," she said, a slight blush on her cheeks.
He blushed as well, then gave her a teasing smile. "Like one of your Downton Abbey guys?"
She smirked, nudging him playfully with her elbow.
He cleared his throat, glancing at the dance floor as a slow song began to play. "Do you … um … do you want to dance?"
Jess brightened instantly and nodded. He took her hand and lead her toward the dance floor. As they walked, he caught Steve's eye from where he and Catherine were talking to the Prosecuting Attorney Frank Kaewa and his wife.
Steve gave him a smiling nod of approval before refocusing on his conversation, and Cody straightened more confidently. But when he got to the dance floor, he momentarily forgot which hand he was supposed to hold, and there followed a brief comedy of errors as he and Jess tried to match the other couples.
Finally, she giggled and put both her arms around his neck. Smiling up at him, she said, "I like this better anyway."
He grinned, looking down as they began to sway to the music. "I'm, um … I'm glad you came with me."
"I'm really glad you asked me to."
"Well, you're … you're my girlfriend … right?"
"Yeah, but, going to a wedding with someone is … kind of a big deal. Especially this wedding." She smiled. "It was really romantic. Don't you think?"
"Um … yeah, I guess it was."
Jess looked over to where the bride and groom were standing. "I never knew Steve and Catherine went to school together."
"Yeah, they've known each other a long time."
"They were like, eighteen and nineteen when they met, right?"
"Yeah."
"That's not much older than we are," Jess pointed out.
Cody met her eyes, biting his lip. "Yeah."
"And they're still in love."
He swallowed, but didn't respond.
Jess flushed again, looking down, but she was smiling, and when she glanced up, he was smiling back.
They continued to dance until the song changed to a faster number. They stopped moving, and Cody looked around a little awkwardly. "I … um, I'm not really good at the fast songs."
"It's okay," Jess said genuinely. "I like the slow songs best anyway."
He smiled at her gratefully.
On the other side of the dance floor, Jadon weaved through guests and grabbed Casey's hand. "C'mon, Casey, let's go show em how to bust a move." He nodded towards the dance floor.
Casey glanced at Grace and Linda, who had just finished telling the girls about her Mother's Day plans with Grandma Josie.
"Go." Linda grinned as Casey rolled her eyes.
"We're wastin' music …" Jadon gestured towards the DJ.
"Okay, okay." She shook her head. "I gotta go dance with my fourth brother or he's gonna pester me worse than the two younger ones," she told them as Jenna, overhearing the exchange, smiled from her seat at the next table.
"That's right, lil sis," He grinned at the others. "I taught 'em all how to dance. Except …" He jerked a thumb at his best friend who had left the dance floor with Jess. "I take no credit or blame for any moves you see the Code Man do. Even if he is lookin' all James Bond in that tux."
Casey snorted. "James Bond. He wishes."
"All I know is Jess is diggin' the look." They walked to the center of the dance floor, and he did a spin move. "Now, c'mon, check this move out. I been working on it special."
Catherine came up to Steve and took his hand, silently maneuvering them through the crowd.
"Where we goin'?" Steve asked as they slipped out of the ballroom towards the small suite just off the main entrance that had been set up with various supplies the bride might need. Boris had stocked it with everything from tissues and aspirin to hairspray and safety pins so she wouldn't have to go downstairs to the dressing rooms during the reception.
"I just need a second." Catherine opened the door and tugged him inside.
"Are you okay?" Steve looked at her seriously and placed a hand to her cheek, but concern for her reason to duck out fled at the mischievous look in her brown eyes.
"Definitely." She ran her hands behind his neck and laced her fingers. "Shhhhhh," she whispered before pulling him into a passionate kiss that had Steve groaning as she pressed into him and hummed against his mouth. When they broke apart to breathe, Catherine's eyes were sparkling. She ran her thumb across his bottom lip. "Just needed to kiss my husband without a hundred people watching."
Steve's smile at her words made her tummy flip, and she kissed him again, softly.
"Always did love your strategies," he murmured, pressing his lips below her ear. She felt his grin when she tightened her fingers in his hair before sighing and smiling up at him when he straightened.
"Okay, Commander, let's get back to our guests before I get carried away."
"Hey, I'm game if you wanna get carried anywhere…" he teased, even as he stepped back slightly and she adjusted his tie and smoothed her gown.
"Of course you are." She chuckled softly. "But you're gonna have to wait a little longer to see my 'pretty undies,' so hold that thought for tonight, Commander." She patted his cheek as he pecked her lips and took her hand. "Hold that thought."
As Catherine opened the door and Steve followed her through, they shared a grin at his words. "Roger that, Lieutenant, but I'd rather be holding my wife."
The DJ spoke into his mic as Grace crossed the floor towards where Steve was chatting with Catherine and Danny.
"I have a request here for a dance with the groom."
Steve and Catherine looked up as he continued, just as Grace reached their sides.
"Commander, I believe your niece would like to dance with one of her heros. This is a special request from Gracie." As he emphasized Steve's name for her, Grace reached for his hand and tugged him onto the dance floor with a smile.
"C'mon, Uncle Steve."
Catherine felt her eyes well with tears at the look of absolute love on his face when Steve caught her glance over Grace's head before turning his full attention to their niece. As the first bars of Hero sung by Whitney Houston filled the air, a murmur of delight rose from the crowd.
Seconds later, Danny stood next to Catherine, his own eyes suspiciously damp as he watched his daughter and best friend on the dance floor.
"Did you know she was going to request that song?" Catherine gestured towards the bandstand.
"Nope. But my kid's got taste. Whitney Houston's from Jersey, you know." Danny smiled as his eyes followed Grace and Steve. "Look at him. She could ask for the moon and he'd try and get it."
She nodded. "He would." She turned to face him. "I know you don't need me to tell you this, but, when he met Grace, after everything he'd been through, she was like a force of nature. She didn't want anything, she just loved him and enjoyed spending time with him."
Danny nodded. "Just like you."
Catherine squeezed his arm gently. "And you trusted him with your daughter's safety. That was huge, Danny. That's how I knew you two were going to be great friends."
Danny leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks for that." He pulled out his phone. "I gotta go take a few hundred more photos before the dance is over."
She smiled. "Go. And Danny?"
He turned. Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"Mama see!"
Joan held her open purse towards her mother.
"What's in there now?" Mary said as she tickled Joan's belly. "Oh … interesting … a sugar packet and a coffee stirrer. And still a cookie."
"Mine." Joan giggled before turning and running back towards the other kids.
Aaron chuckled. "Her own little treasure trove."
"At least the sugar packet's not open," Mary said.
"Yet …"
A group of Navy veterans and active service members stood with Steve, Catherine, and Danny.
"...coldest place you've been stationed?" one challenged the group.
"That isn't classified," Danny added with a nod to his partner.
Carrie answered first. "No question. Korea in the demilitarized zone."
"Aw, did you have to put on a coat to hit the head?" one of the guys teased.
Cuzzi raised an eyebrow. "I spent 30 days T.A.D. there when it was hotter than the hinges of hell."
"Be thankful you weren't there in winter. And it wasn't a head, it was a damn trench in an outhouse. The plumbing sucked." Carrie's nose wrinkled in disgust. She was as stalwart as they came but it didn't mean she wasn't disgusted by certain necessary evils of military life.
Cuzzi snorted a laugh. "Still a luxury compared to the mission out of Thule, right, Smooth Dog?"
"A head run in the arctic circle was definitely colder. No outhouses. You'd have had to use an iceberg." Steve tilted his beer.
"I'd prefer an iceberg if I was ..." she waved a hand over her lap and everyone chuckled, "so equipped. The stench factor's better." She pointed at Steve with a smirk, "And for Catherine's sake, I'm glad you didn't freeze off anything important in the arctic, McGarrett."
Grace clapped her hands excitedly and pointed out towards the ocean where a school of dolphins were frolicking in the waves about 100 yards offshore.
"Do you see the dolphins, Joan?" she asked as she picked up the little girl and pointed.
"Where?" Jacob raced over from the cookie table, a chocolate covered marshmallow in one hand and a peanut butter cookie in the other.
"I'll show you," Cody smiled. "If I can still lift you after all those cookies, that is."
He lifted his little brother in the air, and Jacob spotted the dolphins immediately. "Coooool."
"I see them," Kaitlyn joined in the pointing. "Do you see them, Sophia?"
It took a few seconds longer for Sophia but when she finally spotted them she squealed with excitement.
"Looks like every living creature wants to be part of the wedding of the millennium," Danny joked as he joined the group.
"Come with me a minute?" Grace took Danny's hand and made to move toward the dance floor.
He handed his drink to Sal. "Hold this, I'm gonna go dance with Grace." Danny smiled and allowed her to pull him along.
"Wait right here," Grace said and crossed to the DJ. "Can you play the song I told you about for me and my dad now, please?" She grinned and hurried back to Danny.
"Where'd you go?"
Her smile was ear to ear. "You'll see."
As the song being played came to an end, the DJ announced, "This next song is for Danno from his Monkey."
Danny took in the brilliant smile on his daughter's face, the grins he was receiving from Steve and Catherine who were watching from where they were swaying together across the dance floor, and felt his eyes fill as the first bars of Bon Jovi's Thank You for Loving Me filled the room.
"Ah, Monkey, you remember the first time we sang it together?" He kissed her forehead.
"At the concert when I was six." Grace nodded and hugged him tighter. "You really are the best dad ever. The older I get, the more I know it."
Danny looked into the brown eyes of the child he loved more than life itself and his heart swelled at the generous, loving young lady she'd become. "And -" his voice failed and he cleared his throat, "and you are the best, most wonderful daughter in the world." He glanced at his mom who had moved to the edge of the floor with her phone and was filming them with teary eyes.
"You know, I told Grandma Clara the first time I held you, how you locked on to my voice and wouldn't look away. I thought she was just being a grandma, but she insisted that meant you knew I was your dad and we already had a very special bond."
Grace turned to face Clara so she could capture them both looking into the camera. "She was right." She sniffed. "Love you, Danno."
Danny Williams, who had a verbal arsenal for every scenario, was momentarily unable to speak after uttering, "Danno loves you." He placed a kiss on his daughter's cheek and finished the dance with a beaming smile.
Catherine and a man Mary recognized only as one of Steve's former SEAL team members slid into the two seats across from Mary and Joan who were taking a minute to relax and enjoy the music.
"Mary, Joan, I'd like you to meet Hoss Simmons," Catherine said. "Hoss, this is Steve's sister Mary and her daughter Joan."
Hoss smiled. "Pleasure to meet you."
Joan stared at the man's imposing size then laid her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Hoss is the one who picked Comfort Bunny up in Rota and shipped it to you," Catherine explained.
"Oh ohhhh." Mary's face lit up. "Thank you. I mean, really … thank you. You saved bedtime at our house."
Hoss shook his head. "It was nothing."
"Peanut," Mary said, and Joan raised her head to look at her mother, "Mr. Simmons is the one who found Bun for us."
Joan's face lit up. "Bun?" She turned to Hoss. "Bun?"
"Yes," Mary said. "Mr. Simmons sent us a new Bun after yours got lost. What do you say to him?"
"Tank you Mis-tew … Mis-tew … " Joan struggled with his name.
"Any little lady as cute as you should call me Hoss."
"Tank you Hoss."
"You, little angel, are more than welcome."
Grandma Josie smiled and gestured at Catherine's satin bag. Turning to Danny, she said, "I love that Catherine's carrying la buste."
"Of course, she is, it's from Nonna." He leaned over to give his grandmother a kiss, and she patted his cheek affectionately.
"I carried one," Josie told the rest of the guests seated at the table.
Angela grinned. "We all did." She turned to Sal. "Remember running to the honeymoon suite and tearing into envelopes to count the money?" She shook her head and grinned.
Sal snorted a laugh. "We were hoping to have enough to cover the honeymoon."
Danny chuckled. "I guarantee those two will not be stopping to count anything." He gestured towards Steve and Catherine who were standing with their fingers intertwined, chatting with the guests at a nearby table.
Angela stood and crossed to the bandstand, returning to her table to whisper something to a delighted Nonna before approaching Steve and Catherine.
"Let's go, you two."
"Where are we …" Steve began as the DJ announced, "we have a request from the New Jersey la famiglia for Catherine and Steve to join in a tradition. Can we get everyone on the floor for the tarantella, please!"
Danny whooped from his place between Grace and Gabby as they joined the rest of the family in a circle around the curious looking bride and groom.
"It's easy, just watch us." Grace said and took Nonna's hand. As the instrumental music of the tarantella - a rapid score of brief, repetitive phrases, which escalate in intensity - began, Danny's whole family performed the traditional, whirling dance popular at weddings.
After everyone made few dancing circles to the left and then right around Steve and Catherine, the DJ called, "Come on up, everyone!"
The first to do so were Josie and Linda who knew all the steps, followed by Jacob who was tugging Cody by one hand and Jess by the other. Soon nearly every guest was laughing, dancing in and out towards the bride and groom and finally, with Angela, Sal and Theresa starting the loop, pulling each into a step where they linked arms and spun before switching partners around the large circle.
The final bars of music sounded with everyone spinning, including Kaitlyn and Jacob who were laughing and being spun by Danny and Kono, and Casey and Jadon who were laughing at Jacob dancing with a cookie in one hand.
"Aa-won. Mama. See!"
"Here comes another round of guess what's in Joan's purse," Mary chuckled to Kono and Adam who were sitting beside her.
Mary peered into the purse Joan presented proudly.
"A napkin!" she feigned excitement.
"Kiss," Joan said.
"That looks like a napkin to me," Mary said skeptically.
"Ann Caf. Kiss," Joan insisted.
"I'm pretty sure it's a napkin, peanut." Mary laughed as she reached into the purse and took out the napkin.
She began to smile when she saw a perfect red lip print one one side of the lavender napkin.
"Ann Caf! Kiss!" Joan grinned. "I kiss."
She placed her lips to the napkin and made a loud, smacking kissing noise. When she pulled the napkin away and looked at it her face dropped.
"No kiss," she said sadly.
"That's because you're not wearing lipstick," Mary explained.
"And you won't until you're 25," Aaron chimed in.
Kono snorted. "You sound like Danny."
"Hey, I wanted to say thanks. For everything. You've been a great best man," Steve said as he and Danny stood just off the dance floor watching what seemed to be some kind of dance contest between Kamekona and Jerry.
"Are you kidding? This has been the easiest best man gig ever. The only thing I really had to do was keep you from sprinting down the aisle."
Steve's chuckle turned to a look of confusion as his attention was drawn back to the dance floor. "What are they doing?"
Danny shook his head. "I'm not sure but I think they might be doing the Shake It Off dance."
"The what?" Steve asked, unable to tear his eyes away from Jerry and Kamekona.
"Taylor Swift? Shake It Off? Any of this ring a bell?"
"I'm gonna give you a pass on knowing who she is because I've heard Gracie talk a lot about her."
"I appreciate that," Danny said. "You know … at this point Grace thinks you and Catherine are just about the more romantic couple ever … and I mean ever."
Steve grinned.
"No teenage boy will be able to live up to her expectations after this." Danny stopped as if considering how this might work in his favor.
His smile grew.
"I should probably say thank you. In fact … you are hereby forgiven for every transgression … past and future."
"Really?" Steve asked curiously.
Danny nodded. "Well … on second thought … past definitely … maybe not future. I don't want you to get over-confident. "
"And now I have our other maid of honor wanting to make a dedication." The DJ handed a grinning Carrie the mic and stepped back.
"This one is going out to the bride and groom. Because I can." She chuckled and passed the mic back as the first bars of One Night in Bangkok started up.
Catherine looked at her best friend and barked a laugh as Steve shook his head. "Only you, Stagler."
"You love me, McGarrett!" she called from the bandstand and walked over to grab John's hand so they could dance.
Joan ran past where Cody and Jess were standing with Jacob and Jadon. Her feet got tangled, and she fell to the ground.
"Ohhh … " Jess began sympathetically. "Are you okay?"
Joan's face crumpled, tears filling her eyes, and Cody reached down and picked her up. He settled her on his hip. "You're okay, Joan," he said, rubbing little circles on her back.
She sniffled, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah, I bet that hurt, huh?" Cody asked, his voice soothing.
"You gotta use walking feet, Joan," Jacob said, nodding seriously.
"I don't think three-year-olds know about walking feet, Jacob," Jess said.
"Sure don't," Jadon agreed. "They got one speed: run."
"That doesn't stop at three," Cody said, looking at his brother meaningfully.
Jacob grinned, trying to look innocent.
Mary and Aaron joined them along with Nonna, Grandma Ang, and Deb.
"Ohh, what happened, peanut?" Mary asked. "Wipe out?"
Joan nodded, reaching for her.
Mary smiled at Cody as she took her daughter. "I didn't hear any screaming, though. I'm guessing that was because of you."
Cody shrugged modestly.
"No surprise there," Aaron said. "You've had a lot of practice."
Jacob nodded vigorously. "Yep. I used to fall all the time when I was little. Like when I was in kindergarten. And preschool. And probably before that, too."
"You got that right," Cody said, huffing a laugh.
"But you always picked me up."
Cody gave him a small smile. "I always will," he said quietly.
"Because that's what big brothers do," Deb said.
"That's right," Mary said, her eyes searching the room for her own brother and softening when she found him. She turned back to the group and smiled at Cody. "Thank you."
"Anytime," Cody said.
"And now I think it's time for bed, peanut."
Joan rubbed her eye. "I don' want bed, Mama."
Nonna smiled. "Oh, yes, bambina, you're going to go with me and Grandma Ang and Aunt Deb back to the hotel so your mama and Aaron can stay a little longer."
"I go wif you?" Joan asked, looking at the three smiling women.
"Yes," Mary said. "Doesn't that sound good?"
"I liiike Nonna G'amma Ang Ann Deb."
"Ohh, and we like you, too, sweetheart," Ang said, tickling her bare feet.
"So let's go say goodbye to Uncle Steve and Aunt Cath, okay?" Mary suggested.
Joan nodded. "Unca Teeve Ann Caf maw-wied."
"That's right. Say bye to Cody and Jacob and Jess and Jadon."
"Bye," Joan said, giving them a wave.
"Can you blow a kiss?" Aaron asked.
Joan blew several exuberant kisses and laughed when Jacob mimed jumping up to catch them.
The grandmothers and Aunt Deb said goodbye to the teens and Jacob, then followed Mary and Aaron to find Steve and Catherine.
"Oh! There's Logan!" Jacob said, spotting one of Catherine's cousins' sons, a boy a little younger than him. "I think he's leaving!" He took off, hoping to say goodbye to his new friend.
"Don't run, Jake," Cody called after him.
"Once a big brother, always a big brother, huh, man?" Jadon commiserated.
Cody smiled. "Yeah."
"I think it's great," Jess said. She squeezed his hand. "You're an awesome big brother."
He smiled at her.
"Hey, what about me?" Jadon protested.
Jess laughed. "You, too."
Jadon nodded. "Thank you."
Cody laughed as his best friend's appreciative nod.
"Come on," he said. "Let's see if there's any cookies left."
"Hey," John said, as he stepped up behind Steve. "You got a second?" He inclined his head towards a round bar table in the corner of the room.
"What's all this?" Steve asked as they approached and he saw John had set up a small flask and two shot glasses.
"I'm making good on a bet," John said wistfully.
Steve shook his head in confusion.
"Freddie and I had ourselves a little wager on how long it would take you and Catherine to get married," John explained, pouring a finger of whiskey into each glass.
"You … what?" Steve huffed a laugh. "When?"
"When we were firsties."
Steve's brow furrowed, and he shook his head. "But … Catherine and I weren't even together then."
John gave him a knowing look, and Steve sighed and chuckled.
"Okay, fair point." He chuckled again, rubbing the back of his head. "All right, what did you bet?"
"We bet a bottle of whiskey." John smiled at the memory. "I said you'd be married within a year of Catherine finishing up at the Academy but Freddie said it was gonna take you longer than that to get your head out of your ass."
"So I guess that means he won," Steve said with a nod to the glasses.
John shrugged. "Well, if you think about it he had an unfair advantage. He was your roommate and all. He got to see your denial more up close and personal than I did." He smirked. "Don't get me wrong he was sure it would happen, he just figured it might take a while."
"Probably not this long though," Steve grimaced.
"Do you ever … " John started then hesitated.
"Do I ever what?"
"Do you ever think about how different things would be if Freddie was still here?"
"Yeah, I do," Steve admitted. "But if there's one thing I know it's that he wouldn't want us carrying on about the fact that he's gone. Today of all days."
"That is for damn sure," John said adamantly. "So let's honor his memory the way he'd want us to. With a lot of good memories and a good stiff drink."
"To Freddie," Steve said as they raised their glasses. He took a swig and felt the burn all the way down his throat. "And good Irish whiskey."
Steve slid a hand around Catherine's waist and leaned down to speak in her ear. "Do you think it's time we check out this honeymoon suite?" he asked, making his intentions very clear.
She smiled, her hand going to his on her waist. "A little eager, Commander?"
"Affirmative."
She chuckled. "You've been waiting all day to see what's under my dress."
Steve smiled, then his expression softened. "I've been waiting all day to be alone with my wife."
She tilted her head, touched, and reached up to kiss him.
He grinned. "And to see what's under your dress … "
Her answering grin matched his, and she looked around. "A lot of people have left. And the ones still here are gonna stay to the very end."
"So … ?" he asked hopefully.
She kissed him again. "Let's say a few goodbyes and get out of here. I've been waiting to be alone with my husband, too."
"Miss Williams tells me you're looking for us," Boris said as he and Gus approached Steve and Catherine near the cookie table.
"Yes." Catherine smiled brightly at him. "We're getting ready to leave but we didn't want to go without thanking you both for everything you've done."
"It was our pleasure," Boris said. "Part of the job description."
She shook her head. "I don't believe that's true,"
"You went above and beyond to make this day perfect not only for us but for every one of our guests," Steve said sincerely. "We want you to know how much we appreciate it."
Boris nodded then lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "We do our very best to give all of our couples the perfect wedding experience but you and Lieu … Catherine have been a special pleasure to work with."
"Not bad for a mature couple, huh, Gus?"
The assistant coordinator blushed a deep red. "Definitely not."
Catherine wrapped Boris in a tight hug before moving on to Gus.
"If you ever need anything at all you know where to find us," Steve said as he extended his hand.
"And you know where to find us," Boris replied.
"Don't worry, we haven't seen the last of Boris and Gus," Danny joked as he joined the group. "Nonna is making them lasagna on Tuesday. And you know how addictive Nonna's lasagna is."
"I look forward to finding out," Gus said with a smile.
Steve and Catherine finished saying their goodbyes and headed out.
"I have never known two people who deserved happiness more than those two," Al Cuzzi said as he dropped his arm around his wife's shoulders.
"I'm not worried about them," Carrie said with a grin. "They have it figured out."
"Have what figured out?" Hoss's wife asked.
"Love." Carrie smiled as she laid her head on John's shoulder.
"To Steve and Catherine," Al raised his beer, "and love."
Steve and Catherine arrived at the Halekulani Hotel and were ushered directly to the Orchid Suite.
"Wait," Steve said as they stood in front of the door, turning her back to him and sliding a hand around her back.
She read his intention and asked, "Oh, are we doing–" but didn't get another word out before he'd swept her into his arms.
He grinned when she chuckled. "Hey, we said only the traditions that we wanted to do," he pointed out. "I happen to want to do this one."
"I have absolutely no objections," she said wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. "Special occasions only, right?"
He smiled, remembering their exchange from years ago when he'd surprised her with a romantic evening.
"And this is definitely a special occasion," he said, holding her gaze. He nodded to the side. "Grab that key card, would ya?"
Her smile was saucy as she reached around his back and slid her hand down with a complete lack of subtlety.
He closed his eyes briefly and smirked. "Side pocket. No pockets back there, Lieutenant."
"Oh, my mistake," she said in a poor attempt at innocence.
"We gonna stay out here all night?" he asked.
"Absolutely not," she said and captured his lips in another kiss. He gasped into her mouth when he felt her hand reaching into the pocket of his trousers, pressing meaningfully on his thigh before drawing out the key card.
He stepped closer to the door, and they broke apart so that she could insert the key and push open the door of their suite.
Once inside, he set her down, and they looked around the opulent space.
A bucket with a bottle of champagne and two glasses sat on the table and from where they stood they could see the incredible view outside.
To one side of the chairs and sofa was a kitchen and home theater, while to the other was the large bedroom and en-suite bath Catherine peered into, spotting a familiar bag she was sure contained clothes and toiletries for her and Steve courtesy of their friends.
He was examining the champagne when she rejoined him. "Okay, we've stayed in some nice hotels before, and some not so nice ones," she said, "but this … is incredible."
"You said it."
"It's like a spa in there. Which we are absolutely making use of … " she smiled at his look. "Tomorrow."
"That's more like it." He skimmed a hand over her side and squeezed her hip meaningfully.
She smiled, her desire matching his. "Lemme get out of this dress."
"Do you need some help with that?" he asked in a low, suggestive tone. He grinned when she quirked an eyebrow at him, and he shrugged. "Just trying to be … expedient."
She smiled, turning around, and said, "Then unzip this."
"I've been waiting to hear you say that."
He gently drew her hair to one side and swept it over her shoulder. Bending down, he pressed his lips to the nape of her neck and traced a finger down the curved edge on the back of her gown. He found the zipper and straightened to watch as he pulled it down slowly, revealing more with each inch.
Flashes of purple and lavender appeared, and he slid his hand across the warm skin of her back. She turned swiftly and wrapped a hand around the back of his neck, kissing him firmly.
He groaned when she pulled back. "Cath …"
"The wait's almost over, sailor." The hitch in her voice gave away that she was far from unaffected by his touch. She nodded toward the table. "Open that bottle of champagne."
"Yes, ma'am."
With a smile, she disappeared into the bathroom, and he took a deep, steadying breath. Lifting the champagne bucket, he walked to the bedroom and set it on the sideboard, working to slow his heartbeat.
Taking off his jacket and tie, he laid them across a chair. He took special care removing his cufflinks, setting them carefully on the sideboard. His eyes stayed on them as he worked the buttons of his shirt free, focused on the silver compass design that he would forever associate with Catherine.
Catherine.
His compass.
His true north.
His wife.
It felt new and not-new. The same and different. They were still Steve and Catherine, but now they were also something … more.
He had just lifted the champagne bottle when a flash of movement caught his periphery, and he turned.
Catherine stood in a sheer white robe through which he could see the purple and lavender lingerie that had tantalized him earlier.
She stepped toward him, and for the second time that day, he forgot to breathe.
It was the twitch of her smile that grounded him. That playful lift of her lip that told him she knew exactly what he was thinking.
He exhaled with a whoosh of air as she came to stand in front of him. Placing her hands on his, she guided the bottle back around to its bucket.
"That's not like you, Commander. Shirking an assignment."
He cleared his throat to find his voice. "Let's save that for later, huh?"
She raised up on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck and pulled him close, their breaths mingling in the few centimeters that separated their lips. "Much, much later," she whispered before closing the gap and kissing him soundly.
His hands found their way to her waist, and he deepened the kiss, feeling the heat from her skin through the thin fabric of the robe.
In one fluid movement, he scooped her up in his arms once again. A few of his long strides had them at the bed, turned down before their arrival, their kiss never breaking. He braced a knee on the edge and set her gently on the soft sheets.
Parting only long enough to remove his tuxedo shirt and the t-shirt he'd worn underneath, he sank into her beckoning arms where he intended to stay for a very long time. The kiss that met him was so full of desire, he knew she felt exactly the same.
All the trappings, all the finery of the wedding, as wonderful as they had been, had finally fallen away, and what was left … was them.
Their love.
Exactly as it should be.
Much, much later, they lay still entwined. She was tucked against his side, the fingers of her left hand tracing idle paths on his chest. His arm was around her, his fingers imitating her movements on her shoulder.
"Remind me we have to find those 'pretty undies' later," she said. "I really like that set."
He inhaled, his eyes drifting open. "I do, too."
She shifted her head just enough so she could place a kiss on his collarbone.
After a moment, she said, "That was some day, wasn't it?"
"Yeah."
"You know as much as I love our family and all our friends that were with us today, I knew we'd end the day like this. Alone together. And somehow that made everything even better. Every dance, every toast, every moment. It was like I felt it all more acutely because I knew that."
His arm tightened around her as he soaked in her words.
"Speaking of … " His voice trailed off.
"What?
"There have been a lot of toasts today. I wanted to make one more." He chuckled lightly. "But I don't want to move from this spot."
She smiled against him. "So don't." She pressed several more kisses against his skin. "What would you toast?"
"You. Us," he amended. "But mostly you."
She shifted back so she could see his face as he spoke.
"For all these years, through all the uncertainty of my life, you've been my constant. The woman of my dreams who was also … the woman of my reality. The woman who I can now call my wife." He looked up, blinking at the tears that had sprung to his eyes, and took a deep breath, meeting her gaze once again. "Thank you for that. I'll spend the rest of my life thanking you for that."
"Steve … " She cupped his cheek. "We talked earlier about making choices. Loving you … is the best choice I've ever made." She smiled through the tears in her own eyes. "I don't even know if it was a choice. More like a need. And one that will continue … always."
He closed his hand around hers on his cheek and brought it to his mouth to press a long kiss to her palm, feeling the smoothness of her rings against his lips.
"So a toast …" he said, bringing their hands to his chest.
She laughed tearily. "A toast."
"To you. To me. To us."
"To love," she said fervently. "Friendship set on fire."
Their lips met in a powerful kiss, sealing their words, their vows, their love … always.
Thank you for reading!
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