Title: Her Dream Come True
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, Anthony Zuiker and CBS do.
Author's Note: Catherine/OC story
Beta'd by: Simply Laura
Genre: Romance
Rating: T
Chapter 3: The Big Step
Alec knew it would be one of the questions. He made eye contact with Nick and answered calmly, "Well Nick, it makes me happy to see Catherine and so it is what I intend to do, to love and treat Catherine the way she is supposed to be treated."
Nick nodded as Greg stated his opinion, "What will help us is to make sure you won't hurt Catherine or mistreat Lindsey, because if we do find out, you will be facing consequences."
Alec thought about it and took a deep breath before he responded, "I was orphaned at a young age was raised my strict grandparents and my grandfather taught me I should treat all women with respect, no matter what. I would not dare mistreat Catherine or Lindsey and in the process, let down my grandparents who raised me with what little they had."
Greg was satisfied with his answer when Langston posed his question, "Ok Catherine mentioned you are a mechanic and have your own business. Say Catherine was not a CSI but an every day civilian there visiting and a shooting occurred what would be your first instinct?"
Alec answered confidently, "Well my first instinct would be to get Catherine out of harms way and making sure she is all right and not hurt. Then I would go and make sure whoever is hit is not seriously hurt and call for help for whoever is badly injured and if needed restrain the person responsible until the cops arrived."
Langston was seemingly pleased with the answer Alec had given when Brass brought up his question, "Okay you are a stand up guy but did you ever do anything out of rebellion while growing up?"
Alec smiled knowing this would be easiest question to respond to, "Well I might have but my grandparents kept me in line by reminding how they would discipline me for any minor wrongdoing and getting into anything illegal."
All four of them jointly acquiesced; Alec had passed with flying colors and was worthy of Catherine's affection. He was the one for her and there is no question about it.
As the grilling was going on a short distance away, Catherine was talking with Riley how it all happened when Riley put in her two cents, "Catherine there is one thing I need to tell you."
Catherine looking at young CSI as she gave her answer, "Well all I can say is great job picking Alec, He is out a diamond out of the rough. Not to be impolite or anything but from one woman to another, don't let Alec get away."
Catherine beamed, glad she had Riley's approval of Alec even without needing to have a chat with him.
As their food had arrived, Alec and the guys all headed back to where Catherine and Riley were sitting. In between eating Catherine leaned in and whispered into Alec's ear, "I hope the guys didn't give you too much trouble did they? I will make up to you later."
Alec smiled and replied, "No they didn't sweetie. They were only looking out for you and I understand it and I would like that."
Catherine grinned and they briefly involved subtle PDA by rubbing noses. Nick saw Catherine and Alec adored each and he was glad. However, he couldn't help but blurt out, "Hey get a room you two."
Catherine turned her head and gave her assistant supervisor the death glare for a moment before breaking out in all smiles, "Why I think that is a great idea."
Finishing up their meal Catherine stood up to leave, as Alec stood behind her, "Okay guys I will see you tonight."
They all nodded and right then all of them got a big surprise from Alec, "It was nice meeting you all and it was nice seeing you again. I will pay the tab."
The silence amongst the group, Catherine included was palpable before Brass spoke up, "No Alec you don't have to…"
Alec put up his hand, "I insist and it is a way for me to thank you guys for putting your lives on the line every night."
Now Catherine couldn't stop grinning, 'Can this guy be anymore incredible?'
As soon as Alec had paid the tab, Catherine led him out of the diner and before long they were spending their special time together.
-x-
It had been six months since the diner interrogation and Catherine got Nick, Greg, Ray, and Brass's stamp of approval. It seems like life was starting to come together. As work kept her busy, Lindsey was well academically and following the breakfast date with her co-workers, Alec had even gotten to know the rest of the night shift crew and all agreed of Alec was Catherine's match. Catherine had fallen deeply in love with Alec and he reciprocated. Once Sara met Alec and had told Grissom, both knew Alec was the one for Catherine and were happy for her.
Following another grueling double shift a month later, she headed home and planned on making the most of her day off. She had given Lindsey a ride to school and was at home getting a quick shower before getting much needed sleep.
Feeling refreshed several hours later, she felt like something was missing being with Alec. They had not been able to spend much time together because they both had been busy lately, him having more customers and she pulling a double at least once every other day.
She found her phone and dialed his number and following the second ring she heard the voice that always made he swoon, "Mi amoré, how I have missed you."
"Awe I miss you too sweetheart. I have today and tonight off I was wondering if we could meet up."
Alec fidgeted a little. He had been planning for a special night where he would ask his beautiful girlfriend for her hand in marriage. Her family and the grave shift crew were in on the plan and promised to keep Catherine from figuring it out.
Alec realized he hadn't answered Catherine, "Sorry baby I am busy for the rest of the afternoon…"
Catherine feeling deflated, 'Figures. We been having conflicting schedules'
Alec quickly added, "…but I will more than make it up to you tonight."
Catherine's ear perked up, "Oh?"
Alec grinned and continued, "All you have to do is bring yourself, wear your favorite dress, pack an overnight bag and then come by my place."
Catherine felt her heart beat irregularly for a second and breathing becoming uneven. When she had calmed down her heart rate she asked, "Okay then stud. What time do I need to be there?"
Alec thought about the answer and replied, "How about eight o'clock?"
"I will see you then handsome."
They chatted for a little longer and ended the conversation. Once they finished Alec went back to getting ready. As he worked he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking about how close Catherine had become to figuring out his secret.
Alec ended the call pulled back into traffic and headed towards the florist to pick up the flower arrangements and the ring he ordered.
When Catherine hung up, she saw it was only 1:30 pm but knew she had a lot to do to get ready. As she prepared Catherine was feeling keyed up wondering what Alec had in store for her.
In order to pass the time she decided to go and get a manicure and pedicure done.
However, what Catherine didn't know was her life was about to change.
-x-
A few hours later she was at Alec's place in Sunrise Manor with an overnight bag in hand. Once she was sure her heartbeat had steadied, she knocked on the door. Only a few seconds later the door and there stood Alec with a single rose in his hand. Seeing him in a white muscle shirt that showed his toned arms caused her heart rate to speed up again.
When Alec saw her in a short jersey dress he briefly lost all sense of time as he nearly wanted to ravish her right then and there but he pulled himself together and pulled her in.
After Alec led her in Catherine gasped, Alec had decorated the room giving it a romantic feel. As she still stood there in awe, she felt Alec's arms wrap around her waist nibbling on her earlobe and in a low whisper, " Catherine, amore mio, benvenuto a una notte che non si dimentica presto." (Catherine my love welcome to a night you won't soon forget.)
Catherine shuttered with pleasure and loved how he was always full of surprises. She whipped around and wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered back, "Lead the way, my handsome prince."
Following a romantic homemade Valentine's Day dinner followed by feeding Catherine dessert, making out and then dancing, Alec knew it was time.
The lovebirds were now sitting in front of the fire place and Catherine was snuggled into Alec's strong body not wanting to leave when she heard him whisper, "Catherine, my darling I have one more gift for you. I want you to close your eyes and count to ten."
Wondering what he was up to, Catherine closed her eyes and counted to ten. When she opened her eyes she saw Alec was holding a small box that was already opened.
There, nestled in the silk cushions, was a ring made of 1.82 carats of white sapphire diamonds surrounded by 3.99 carats worth of amethyst stones in a platinum setting. She gasped, knowing she had finally found happiness. Catherine was so overwhelmed that she almost didn't hear Alec talk to her, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to have you in my life and there aren't enough words to describe your beauty. I am one of those people who believe in love at first sight but also want to see if it is real. Our love and relationship is real and I love Lindsey as she was my own."
Still holding the box, Alec extracted himself from Catherine's arms got off the couch and on his knees, "Minha princesa eu ficaria honrado se você se tornou minha esposa, vai se casar comigo?" (My princess I would be honored if you became my wife, will you marry me?)
Alec had taught her some Portuguese and Italian and now she was able to use what she learned. Smiling her beautiful smile, she responded as best she could in Italian, "Alec, che amo così tanto e sì, io ti sposerò!"(Alec I love so much and yes I will marry you!)
Alec beamed brightly as he got the ring out of its downy cushions and slid the ring on the Catherine's finger; it was a perfect fit.
Alec stood up and pulled Catherine into an amorous embrace and began kissing her like there was no tomorrow. Catherine responded quickly and kissed back with equal passion. When they came up for air they leaned forehead to forehead and Catherine whispered seductively, "Take me to bed and make love to me."
Alec grinned mischievously as he picked her up and carried her bridal style to his room where as newly engaged couple began the rest of their lives together, making her dream come true.
A/N 2: Thanks for reading the final chapter of "Her Dream Come True". Reviews are appreciated!
