Chapter 10

The next few weeks seemed like a whirlwind to Caitlin. She had met with the publishers about her uncle's book and before she knew it, things were taking off and it was well on its way to being officially published. Michael and the Firm had managed to take the loan shark into custody for his part in the injuries she and Dom had sustained and things were finally settling down. Hawke had still wanted her to stay at the cabin even though she felt that she would be safe to go home. He had managed to get her mother to like him and she took his side in the matter. Caitlin couldn't help but notice that Hawke had changed somehow. He was more attentive to her than usual and she couldn't believe how often he smiled at her.

While Hawke made dinner, Caitlin sat out on the front porch of the cabin and watched the sun disappear over the mountain tops. She sighed slightly thinking about her uncle and wishing he were there to see the success that she felt his book would have.

Hawke walked out and stood by the door. "Caitlin, aren't you the least bit curious as to what is in your uncle's letter to you?" he asked. "I can't believe you haven't read it yet."

Caitlin shrugged. "It's the last thing I have left," she said sadly. "It is his last words to me. I guess I'm not ready for it to be over with yet. It's all so final."

"But I think it's what he wanted," Hawke told her.

"I'm pretty sure I know some of what he has to say," she told him. "I mean, there were more clues in that letter that we found with the key."

"Yeah, I noticed," he said as he sat down beside her.

Caitlin couldn't help but blush slightly. "Oh, you did?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said softly and he reached over and gently placed his hand behind her neck. He pulled her to him and kissed her more passionately than he had when they were on stage at Dare.

When they parted she just stared at him, unsure of what to say next.

Hawke couldn't help but smile. "Caitlin, if you wanted your chance," he told her. "All you had to do was ask."

Caitlin felt her face become even more flushed. "Hawke it's just that I…." she started to say before he put his finger on her lips.

"Just read your uncle's letter first and then we'll talk about it all," he told her.

Caitlin sighed. "Okay, give me some time alone then?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied. "Dinner won't be ready for another hour but if you need more time than that, take it."

Caitlin reached over and gave him a hug. "Thanks for everything," she told him.

After Hawke went inside, Caitlin pulled out the envelope that she had folded up and put in her pocket. She tore the edge open and removed the letter. It was two pages and she laughed and cried as he explained his reasons for writing the book and how he finally wanted his family to be proud of him. He told her how much she meant to him and that he wanted to be able to do something special for her before he died. He knew she wasn't about money even though he ended up leaving her the rights to his book. It was the last part of the letter that hit her hardest. It was the part she'd been expecting to read and the reason she'd put it off.

And last of all Caitlin, I think by now that you should have figured out that the treasure I left for you wasn't really the book. It was a chance. A chance with the man I know you love. I picked two of my favorite places to begin with. I thought after watching him kiss that other woman, you deserved your shot. I wish I was still alive to see if it worked. If he still hasn't seen the light by now, I would suggest trying the places in chapter ten and sixteen. You deserve the best sweet heart. I hope he treats you well and is deserving of the love you want to give him. Just don't be afraid to take that chance. You will never know until you try.

Love always,

Uncle Steve

Tears fell down Caitlin's face as she read the last of his letter. Now it was final. He was gone and all that was to be said was done. She had read his book and loved every part of it. He not only shared those hidden treasures but he told about the adventures he had in discovering them and the friends he made along the way. She was proud of him.

"Dinner is ready," Hawke said as he saw her sitting and staring up at the stars. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really," she replied softly.

Hawke sat back down beside her. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

"No," she replied. "I want to do something about it."

Hawke stared at her, unsure of where the conversation was headed.

"Let's go back inside," she told him as she grabbed his hand and dragged him in.

"Hawke did you mean what you said?" she asked as they moved inside.

"What's that?" he asked.

"That if I wanted my chance I should have asked?" she replied unsure of how he'd respond.

"Absolutely," he replied with a grin. "And showing me your cute ass like that was not fair."

Caitlin couldn't help but burst out laughing. "That really wasn't on purpose you know," she said before stopping and catching on to what he said. "You really think it's cute?"

Hawke pulled her to him tightly and kissed her again before letting his hands wander to her rear.

"Feels pretty nice too," he teased.

Caitlin cocked her head sideways and stared at him. "Well," she said. "If you play your cards right you just might get a second look."

"Oh really?" he replied with a grin.

"Yeah but let's eat first," she replied. "I'm suddenly starving."

"So that's how this is going to go?" he asked teasingly.

"Yep," she replied. "Sometimes the best treasures in life are worth waiting for."

The End