Steve and Maddie made their way to the beach where Steve spread out the blanket for them to sit on while they ate lunch. Maddie kicked off her sandals and settled onto the blanket before getting everything out. That's when she noticed that Steve had not only brought a blanket from the trunk, but also a small cooler. He opened up the lid and brought out a perfectly chilled wine bottle and two glasses.

"When did you put all of this in the car?" Maddie asked inquisitively.

"Before my run this morning. I grabbed a bottle and put it into the cooler in case you decided to have lunch with me. And, I know I'm technically on duty, but I wanted to celebrate."

"What are we celebrating?"

"You're back. I want to celebrate having you back. My mind has been in a whirlwind since yesterday, Maddie. I mean, you came back…Then I found out we have a daughter together. I'll admit, I was pissed to find out you kept her from me, but when I saw her…..God, she's so amazing…..and beautiful….and Infuriating at times, but still amazing," he smiled and Maddie felt her heart melt like a big pile of goo inside her chest.

Sheesh, I'm hopeless!

"I know we have things to work through," he continued, "but I'm glad you're back." Steve paused for a second waiting on Maddie to look at him. When their eyes met, he said, "I've missed you."

Maddie could barely swallow past the lump that had lodged in her throat. As a teenager who found herself pregnant, Maddie had been scared and still easily influenced by her parents. They had always loved Steve…I mean, come on, who wouldn't?...but finding out that he had to leave the island, they urged her to get on with her life without him. And she had listened. They basically didn't want the drama in his life affecting their daughter's life. John McGarrett had insisted that Steve be left alone for awhile 'for his own safety' and they had agreed. When they found out Maddie was pregnant, they had made the decision to keep the two of them apart rather than putting Steve, Maddie or their grandchild in danger.

Now, as a grown woman, she realized how very wrong she had been. Looking into his crystal blue eyes and seeing the smile that had always melted her heart, Maddie couldn't deny that she made a huge mistake. She'd never stopped loving Steve. Sure, she'd had relationships over the years…..and she was sure he had, too…..but neither of them had ever married. Could it be because it never felt "right" with anyone else? That was certainly true for Maddie. No one had ever measured up to Steve in her eyes. She had given her heart to him as a young girl and never gotten it back.

Maddie finally found her voice. "I've missed you too. So much. You just have no idea….." her voice trailed off.

"I think I do. Truth is, I don't think I've ever gotten over you, Maddie girl." He reached a hand up to stroke her cheek. Maddie was very glad they were sitting down because she doubted she would have been able to stand when he touched her. Her cheek tingled at his touch and protested when he took his hand away as if it wanted more.

"I never got over you either." Maddie moved closer to Steve on the blanket. His eyes grew serious as he watched her, "With Stephanie, I had a piece of you with me all the time…..and that was great…but it made me miss you so much. Every time she would smile, I would see you. When she was thoughtful and serious, I would see you. And when that 'McGarrett' stubborn streak would show itself, I would definitely see you."

Steve chuckled softly at that.

"She has your drive and determination," Maddie reached out to put a hand on Steve's heart, "But she also has your heart."

Steve felt his throat tighten with emotion and he tried to lighten the moment, "Yeah, well there are a lot of people who would say I have no heart."

"But I know better," Maddie answered matter of factly. "I knew Steve McGarrett before life came in and changed everything. The 'old' Steve is still in there."

She smile at him softly and Steve felt hypnotized by the sight of her dimples and long eyelashes. He hadn't been able to resist her as a teen, and it seemed as if the pull she had on him was still there.

"You always did read me pretty well, Maddie."

They both ate a little more of their lunch before Steve spoke again, "So what now?"

Maddie knew he was talking about more than the plans for that day. His eyes were searching hers asking what she planned to do now that Stephanie knew who her father was. Maddie wasn't sure how to respond. Seeing Steve again had brought all of her unsettled feelings for him to the surface, and seeing him with Stephanie made her realize how important it was to have Steve in her life. In their lives. She could only hope he wanted the same thing. Before she could answer him, however, his phone rang.

He looked at the phone before clipping out his normal greeting, "McGarrett".

Maddie watched as the softness of his face turned hard again and he was in full on "Commander" mode. Steve listened briefly, before hanging up and grabbing Maddie's hand, "We'll finish this later. I need to get to a crime scene. Unfortunately, I don't have time to take you back to HQ first, so you'll have to come along. Okay?"

Maddie agreed as they quickly gathered up their things and headed towards the car. Once they were on their way, Steve called the rest of his team and fill them in. Afterwards, he turned back to Maddie, "Sorry our lunch got cut short. I'll make it up to you, okay?" He grabbed her hand and gave it a quick, affectionate squeeze.

Maddie assured him it was okay. He did have a job, after all. A very important one. And if she was being honest with herself, she was actually looking forward to seeing him in 'action'. She had always known Steve would be a leader; In school, he'd shown that leadership quality often. There was a charisma and confidence about him that drew others in. She wasn't the least bit surprised where life had led him with his career and she was looking forward to watching him now.

A few minutes later, they pulled onto a street that was lined with police cars and a large tank-like vehicle with S.W.A.T in big, bold letters on the side. Steve parked the car hastily before turning towards Maddie, "Stay here. I'm not sure what we're up against, so don't get out of the car, Okay?" His voice was emphatic.

"Be careful." Maddie said worry etching her face.

"Always." Steve answered as he offered her a smile and a wink before getting out of the car and walking to the trunk. When he made his way forward again, he was putting on a Kevlar vest. He had a weapon strapped to each thigh and one at his side. As Maddie watched him strapping on his vest, she felt almost silly at the fact her heart was beating so fast.

Oh my! She sighed in appreciation.

Then she scolded herself, Oh for heaven's sake, Madison. Get a grip. He's about to go into a dangerous, volatile situation and here you are drooling over him because he looks like a bad ass. A very sexy, bad ass.

Steve leaned down into the car window, "Hopefully, this won't take long." He gave her a quick kiss…..not caring that Danny was watching….and jogged in the direction of the house that had been surrounded by law enforcement. As Steve approached, everyone gathered around to get instructions from him since this was a Five-0 crime scene and Steve was in charge. After a few minutes, everyone disbursed to surround the house and someone handed Steve a bullhorn to talk to the man inside.

"Trevor Walker, this is Commander Steve McGarrett with Five-0. You need to come out now so we can avoid any more problems. Come out now and we'll talk."

"Go to hell!" the man screamed back. "You've taken everything from me. My wife, my daughter…..Everything!"

Maddie saw Steve glance at Danny and speak to him briefly before turning his attention back to the house, " Trevor, listen to me. I'm not sure what happened with your family, but you need to let your wife and daughter go before someone get hurt."

Maddie's breath caught. He had a woman and a child in there with him?

"Not doing it, Commander." Trevor shouted back, "I'm blowing this place up and taking them with me."

"I can't let you do that. This is your last chance. Now, come out with your hands up!" Steve demanded.

They waited in tense silence for a few moments and nothing happened. Maddie watched nervously as Steve spoke to Grover before making his way towards the house. Watching him move, she could see the intense military training and experience he had. There was no doubt who was in control. SWAT followed close behind, and as they got closer to the side of the house, Steve saw a way to climb on top and started making his way up to the roof.

Fear rose up inside of Maddie as she watched him start making his way up the house. She opened the car door and started quickly walking towards them. Danny saw her and ran to stop her, "Maddie, get back in the car!"

"What the hell is he doing?" Maddie asked angrily. "He's going to get himself KILLED!"

Danny grabbed her arm and turned to walk her back towards the car, but Maddie fought against him. Danny finally took both of her arms in his hands and gave her a gentle shake, "Maddie, listen to me! Steve knows what he's doing. In fact, I've seen him pull this particular stunt a couple of times. Everything will be okay, but you need to get back in the car. Steve will be pissed if you're out here watching with no protection at all."

Maddie didn't look as if she was budging.

"Please, Maddie. Let us do our job."

She gave in, albeit reluctantly, and finally went back to the car. But rather than getting inside the vehicle, she went to stand in the back so she could still see the events unfolding in front of her.

The next few minutes seemed to drag by…..at least to Maddie….as Steve hoisted himself onto the roof, found an opening, and dropped what Maddie would learn was a smoke bomb into the house. It didn't take long for the suspect to stumble out the front door with a hand over his mouth and fall into the yard gasping for air. SWAT surrounded and disarmed him quickly and efficiently as Danny, Grover, and Steve waited for the smoke to clear before making their way into the house. Within minutes Grover emerged helping a woman out of the house and leading her towards a waiting ambulance. Steve followed close behind carrying an obviously unconscious teenage girl. Maddie saw him talking softly to her and felt her heart grow tight in her chest. As they had discussed earlier, he may be known as the 'no nonsense leader of the Five-0 task force', but he was also a protector who cared about those who were in danger.

Trevor was soon carted off towards the police department and his estranged wife and daughter were taken to the hospital for care. Thankfully, no life threatening injuries…..or death…..had occurred, so it was considered a success.

Maddie saw Steve glance in her direction and saw the irritation cross his face as he realized she was out of the car. He started walking towards her with a determined look on his face. Maddie felt herself unconsciously stand up a little straighter. Yes, she could see how people were intimidated by 'Commander McGarrett', but she knew the 'real Steve' and refused to let his scowl ruffle her.

Okay, so that wasn't totally true, she corrected, He is a little scary. Or maybe a lot scary. Holy moly, he looks hot, though. She tried to suppress a giggle even though she knew she was in for a butt chewing.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't I tell you to stay in the car?" He removed his vest to put it into the trunk as he continued to stare her down. Maddie suddenly couldn't find her voice. Then, realizing that Steve had given no thought to his own safety either, she felt her temper rise again.

"Yes, but then I saw you climbing on top of the house with an obvious madman on the inside threatening to blow it to smithereens…..and I was worried about YOU! I mean, my God what were you thinking?"

Steve saw her bottom lip tremble and sighed. He put his arms around her, "This is my job, Maddie. Everything's okay…..I know what I'm doing."

"Yeah, but what if…"

Steve put a gloved finger to her lips, "Shhh. Don't wonder about the 'what ifs'. Just trust that I'm good at my job and everything will be alright. Okay?" He hugged her tight before getting her back into the Marquis and heading towards the Palace.