One week later...

Stringfellow Hawke stood on the covered wrap around porch of the O'Shannessy home in Texas. The two story ranch home was was white with black trim. Two massive oak trees flanked either side and a porch swing hung just to the left of the front door. The inner door had been left open and he could see a central hall and stairs through the screen door. He pushed his fingers through short cropped hair in a nervous gesture, before knocking solidly on the the door frame. He watched as a heavily pregnant woman entered the hall from a side room and came to the door.

"May I help you?"

The voice sounded so like Caitlin's and the woman looked so much like her that he had to clear his throat before he could speak.

"Is Caitlin O'Shannessy here?"

"She went for a walk. Mr.?"

"Hawke. Stringfellow Hawke."

The woman tilted her head at the name and stepped out onto the porch to get a better look at him. She let the screen door slam shut beside her and gave him a quick assessing once over.

About 5'10", lean and muscular. Boyish good looks. Seems to have a hard edge about him too.

Then she met his eyes. They were the most incredible shade of blue. Although his face gave nothing away, his eyes were truly a window.

It was the depth to his eyes that Cait must have fallen for.

"I'm Erin." She held out her hand. "Cait's older sister."

Hawke shook her hand. She did look a lot like Cait, but her eyes were a solid green and there were deeper laugh lines around them. She was also a little taller and had more of a strawberry blond shade of hair.

"Nice to meet you. Do you know when Cait will be back?

He needed to talk to her and didn't want to waist any more time.

"I'm sorry Mr. Hawke. You're not quite what I expected." She said with a slight twitch to her lips.

Hawke looked perturbed at which Erin broke into a full smile.

"It's important."

"Of course." The smile hit Erin's eyes. "If you follow that fence," she indicated a white wooden fence a little distance from the house, "you'll run into the pond. She's probably there."

"Thanks."

He followed the indicated fence for some time before he came to a park like setting. The 'pond' was a three acre body of water surrounded by willows and great oak trees. Scattered between the trees here and there were rustic benches. At one end was a large walnut stained gazebo built partially out onto the water. A small boat was tied to one of the massive posts that supported it.

Underneath a tree a little distance from the gazebo he spotted Cait. She sat with her blue jean clad knees pulled up to her chest. Her back rested against the tree. She had an open book in her hands and turned a page. The light filtered through the leaves to cast her in a soft glow. Her red hair contrasted nicely with the simple baby blue t-shirt she wore. His heart caught in his throat. She was beautiful.

His path took her slightly behind her and she put the book down when she hear a twig snap.

"Is it that time all ready Erin?" She asked without looking up.

Hawke stepped into the light beside her.

She started at the surprise and made to get up.

"Hawke?"

He dropped down beside her and placed a hand on her leg. That simple contact made her heart jump. He leaned in an kissed her before she knew what he was doing. It was a deep tender and loving kiss.

She missed him. Missed his face. Missed his smile, his eyes. She was surprised to discover her arms of their own volition had gone around his neck. She was dimly aware his arms were around her. When there lips finally parted she took a deep breath.

"What are you doing here?" she said trying to collect her thoughts.

"A wise Italian said I needed to quit thinking so much and start acting."

"Hmm. Would I happen to know this wise Italian?" She ran her fingers over his fine brown hair. She couldn't help herself.

"Maybe." He smiled. "I love you Cait."

She stopped cold and looked into his eyes. She knew what that had cost him to say and she was speechless.

Taking her silence as the unspoken question it was he fumbled in his pocket a moment.

"I'm not playing around." He held up a one carat oval cut diamond ring. "Marry me." He said it more as a statement than a question. "For however long we have together, I need you."

She was stunned. Tears started flowing down her cheeks.

"I love you too." She said as he started to look nervous and pull away.

He pulled her close and decided at that moment to quit counting how many times he kissed her.