Chapter 11: Farewell To A Friend

String landed at the cabin. It appeared Cait wasn't there. He had tried her cell phone several times but no one had answered. It was the same thing with Dom's. His next stop would be Caitlin's house. Forty-five minutes later he was pulling away from Cait's house. There was only one place else she could be so he headed to Dom's. As he drove he thought about how once again he shut Cait out. He wondered how much more of his being closed off would she stand for . He pushed her away yet again only this time she carried their baby. He couldn't get to her fast enough. Somehow losing Sinj didn't hurt as bad this time. He had his family to think about now. Family, he needed to marry Cait. He was going to propose but now it couldn't wait. He hoped she would have forgiven him. Tonight all he wanted to do was love her.

The lights were all off at Dom's. He expected as much. It was midnight and Dom was an early riser. He let himself in with his key. Dom and Cait were both heavy sleepers. He quietly made his way to his old room where he knew he would find Cait. The light of the moon coming in from the window gave him just enough light to make his way to the bed where Cait lay sleeping. She looked so peaceful. There was his future, his wife and baby. His protective instincts where stronger than ever. His and Cait's lives were dangerous ones. He lost his parents when he was young. He didn't want this for his child. He sat on the bed and stroked Cait's face gently as she began to stir. Slowly opening her eyes she smiled as he came into focus. He leaned down to softly kiss her lips. Then he took her left hand in his.

"Cait, I'm sorry I acted like a jackass today. Can you forgive me." Cait sat up in bed so they could talk. " I know you were upset learning that Sinj was still alive. I just wish you trusted me more and let me in. I will always love you String. That's what real love is, you love through the good and the bad. Not just when things go your way." He reached in his pocket and pulled out the ring he retrieved at the cabin.

"Cait, I meant to do this the night I came home and found Sinj at the cabin. I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?"

Cait couldn't get any words to come out. String looked worried. "Cait, please say something. " She knew the answer to his question. She realized she loved this man since the day he saved her in the Pope County jail. " Yes Stringfellow Hawke I will marry you." String took a breath, his heart was pounding in his chest. He placed the ring on her finger. "String it's beautiful." She said as she admired it then suddenly gasped as she remembered something. "Ah, String I have something important to tell you." String smiled. "What is it you want to tell me mommy." Cait started to speak and then realized he had called her mommy. She stood up on her knees in the bed and socked him playfully in his shoulder. "String, how did you know." String pulled her into his lap and kissed her. "Sinj told me."

"You saw him tonight?" She looked worried. " I went to to the lair to clear my head. Sinj was there. He told me everything."

"So is everything OK between the two of you?" She could tell by the change of expression on his face that something was not right. "He left for good. Said he was going back to his undercover work. We said are goodbyes." Cait hugged him tight. "Oh String, I'm so sorry. That must have hurt." String pulled away so he could see her eyes. " Yeah it did but I will be OK Cait. I have you, my baby and Dom. "

Dom stood outside the room as he listened to the two most important people in his life profess their love for each other. He quietly walked back to his room. His kids had finally made it past all the obstacles that had been laid before them and he was going to finally be a grandpa.

It was early morning as String left Cait peacefully sleeping. They had spent half the night making love. He laid awake the rest of the night as she slept. In those hours he made one of the hardest decisions he ever had to make but he knew it was the right one.

The drive to the lair was a long one. This was going to be the toughest mission he ever flew with the lady and he had to do it alone. He remembered the first time he laid eyes on her. Michael had asked him to test a new weapon. He was in love the moment he saw her. He knew the first flight that she belonged to no one but him. He thought about all the missions he and Dom and then Cait had flown. He had to admit he loved the adrenaline rush that came with it. The sun was just coming up as the ladies hiding place came into view. String punched in the code to the entrance. He stood in awe of her. No matter how many times he saw her she had that effect on him. He walked over and caressed her sleek lines and admired her power. After a few moments of reflection he changed into his flight suit. He did a precheck and took one last look around her sacturary before he masterfully lifted her out of her hiding place.

It was early morning. Archangel was alone in his office enjoying a cup of coffee before everyone else came to work at the firm. He liked this time alone sitting in his comfortable leather chair watching the sun come up through his large wall of window's. He had been worried about Hawke and the outcome between him and his brother. He was also worried about Cait. She didn't look well when she came to the hanger yesterday. He hoped that She and Hawke's relationship had not suffered over the turn of events that had occurred. Over the years Hawke had come to mean a lot to him. He valued his friendship. He also loved Cait. She was good for Hawke. And as much as he hated to admit it he loved Dom well. Suddenly his peaceful morning was interrupted. If he didn't know better he would swear that Airwolf had just landed on the lawn outside the Firm. He jumped up so fast he spilled coffee all over his white suit. "What the hell is this" Thinking someone had stolen Airwolf and was there to attack the Fri he picked up the phone to alert security. Taking another look he saw Hawke exit her. He picked the phone up giving orders for everyone to stand down. Had Hawke lost his mind? "Damn it Hawke what do you think you are doing?" As he rushed to get to him before anyone else could.

String landed and quickly left the lady. He made his way toward the road that led to the Firm. He could hear Michael calling after him but he refused to look back. He couldn't look back. His future was ahead of him not behind. She had served him well. Now she was someone else's. He prayed that whoever that was would understand the responsibility that came with her.

String made it to the road where a car waited for him. As soon as he got in the car took off. Dom looked over at String. "You sure this is what you want to do kid?" Even though he said he wouldn't look back he did one last look.

"Take me home Dom. I have a nursery to build at the cabin."

THE END