Chapter Twelve: Does Anyone Have A Ring
Cait hung up the phone. Dom had just given her an update on String's condition. She said a silent prayer thanking God that he was ok. She did not have as much explaining to do when she had returned as she thought she would. Erin had done a fine job covering for her. Tom as it turns out was on border patrol that day. He was not in the habit of calling her when on patrol so he was not even aware she had been gone. She felt guilty keeping secrets from him. The wedding was in two short weeks. She would officially be married. She was happy with Tom or at least she had convinced herself of that until she left to rescue String. Now all the feelings she had worked so hard to rid herself of were flooding back. When she saw String approach Airwolf that night her heart began to race. She wanted to grab him and never let go. She knew she was doing the right thing by leaving. One of them had to be strong enough to make the move. She felt her being there caused String to be conflicted about his feelings. He loved her but was not in love with her. This had to be hard on him, knowing that she loved him but he was unable to return the feelings. He did the only thing he knew how to do, push her away. He was good at it since he had a lot of practice doing this most of his life. If she would have stayed they both would have been miserable.
"Hey what are you so deep in thought about?" Tom said as he stepped onto the porch sitting down in the swing beside her.
"Oh I was just thinking about my life in California."
"You're not sorry you left are you?"
"No, no, I was just thinking about the people I left there. They meant a lot to me."
"After we're married why don't you take some time and go back for a visit. I'll be in Columbia working with the DEA next month, maybe that would be a good time."
"I can't, this is a busy time of year for Dad and he will need me. But thanks for being so understanding." She reached over and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I will see them at the wedding."
"So Dom did RSVP. Are they all coming or just Dom?" Tom asked, really only wanting to know if String would be there. He had been careful not ever letting on to Cait that he thought she had feelings for String.
"I'm not sure at this point. You know it might not be possible for them to all be gone at the same time." The truth was Cait was not sure if String was coming. Dom didn't bring it up when they spoke so she left it alone. Most likely she thought he would not be there.
"Tom, I have wanted to talk to you about your trip to Columbia. I'm a little worried about it. The cartels over there are a lot more ruthless than what you are used to dealing with here. Plus you'll be working with law enforcement that you can't trust." I think we need to reconsider this trip."
"You know you're cute when you worry about me."
"I'm serious Tom; I have a bad feeling about you going."
Tom put his arm around her pulling her close." I just got you back after ten years, I'm not about to leave you now. I'll be fine."
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"What are you doing here? I thought the doctor said you should wait another week before flying."
"Dom I'm fine. He said I should wait, he didn't say I had to." String picked up the empty coffee pot rolling his eyes letting Dom know that this not making coffee thing was getting old. Starting a pot he glanced down at Cait's wedding invitation. This did not escape Dom's attention.
"The wedding is in a week ya know. You haven't answered me if you are going or not."
"Not" Was Strings reply.
"Sometimes String you really disappoint me, ya know that. If St. John and I can go watch her marry a man that's not right for her then so can you. She really wanted us all to be there. This isn't about us. It is her big day and by God you're not going to let her down if I have to drag you there. You wanted her gone now you can see this through to the end." With that Dom stormed out of the office slamming the door behind him.
Stepping into the office St. John poured himself a cup of coffee. "You want to talk about it?"
"Not really. Dom just doesn't understand why I don't want to go to the wedding is all. And if you are going to start in on me….."
St. John cut him off. "String; I don't blame you. I understand why you don't want to go. Hell I'm not in love with her and I am going to have a hard time being there. You do what you feel is right. Dom will get over it.
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As always when String had something he needed to work through he would find himself at the lair. Driving up in the Jeep he took his sunglasses off putting them in his jacket. He sat there for a few minutes thinking about the first time he brought Cait here. Now that he thought about it he realized how trusting she had to be with him to be blind folded and then shown a top-secret war machine.
Climbing into the cock pit felt good. Taking her up and out of the lair felt even better. Hitting the turbos he left all his thoughts back at the lair. For now he just wanted to be free from feeling anything. He was only in the air for a few minutes when Michael came on the monitor.
"I thought I might find you here."
"You a mind reader now Michael?"
"No, I spoke with Dom; he said you two had gotten into it over Cait's wedding so it stood to reason you would take the Lady for a spin."
"So then, you knew I was flying her and you called anyway. What do you want?"
"I wanted to fill you in on some details I have from the last mission. If you could come by sometime today I would appreciate it. I am tired of being made to come to you."
"Whatever" String said as he cut the communications.
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"Thank you for gracing me with your presence Hawk. You're a hard man to get hold of these days. Is that by choice?" Michael handed String a manila folder.
"Can you or St. John identify the man who Cait prevented from taking the plane as Harkins? We have not been able to locate him. With his knowledge he is just as dangerous to us now as he was then."
"I only saw him from a distance and I wasn't exactly focused. Dom said he and Cait both believed it was Harkins. Michael you could have asked Dom or St. John this. What is the real reason you wanted me here?"
"OK you caught me. I haven't had a chance to talk to you since you left the hospital. I wanted to see what kind of frame of mind you're in."
"Because I was shot or because Cait is getting married?" String got up to leave. Michael moved to block him.
"You win, maybe it's none of my business but despite what Dom thinks I do care what happens to you and not just because you are invaluable to me. I think of you as a friend. And yes to answer your question it's because Cait's getting married."
String eased up and let the tension in his jaw go. "No I'm not fine with Cait getting married but I will get over it if that is what you want to know."
"Marella and I are going to the wedding can we expect to see you there?"
"That was the reason I was flying the lady. I wasn't sure if I should."
"For Cait's sake or yours?"
"Mine"
"What conclusion did you come to?"
"Let's just say you will have to kiss the bride for me." With that String left Michaels office.
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Cait was getting nervous, two more days until the wedding. She was packing a few things for her honeymoon. Tom would be leaving for Columbia in six days. She was not happy that the trip with the DEA was moved up and left them with only a few days for a honeymoon. She did not want him to leave. They still disagreed about him going on such a dangerous assignment.
"Need any help?" Maggie O'Shannessy asked as she walked into Cait's room.
"No, I think I have just about everything done. My dress was picked up and hanging in your sewing room and I am all packed. One thing you can do for me Mom."
"What's that dear?'
"Tom will be Dad's son in-law in two days, do you think you could get him to stop saying "idiot" under his breath every time Tom leaves the room?"
Maggie tried not to laugh. "I will talk to your father and see what I can do."
"Thank you, and while you're at it tell him to stop offering me money if I call the whole thing off." Maggie couldn't contain her laughter anymore. Patrick O'Shannessy was a handful but she loved him dearly and he made her laugh.
"Cait all we ever wanted for you was to be half as happy in marriage as your father and I are in ours. We just worry that Tom's not the man to make that happen."
"Mom, I am happy. Tom and I are you know…."
"Comfortable"
"Well yeah, I guess you could say that."
"I was hoping for a lot more for you like love."
Cait got up and started putting things away in her room. She was afraid her mom was finally going to ask the question."
"Are you in love with him?"
'I love him and he is good to me. What more could a girl want."
"A moody pilot from California." Maggie said as she left her room.
Cait was speechless. She had never discussed her feelings for String with anyone in her family. Was it that obvious that she loved him? Now she was feeling a little queasy. She went to the kitchen to get a glass of ice tea. Erin was sitting at the table going over the guest list.
"So Dom, St. John, Michael and Marella will be here for sure. Am I missing any of your other friends from California?"
Cait didn't want to admit it but she was disappointed that String was not coming. What was wrong with her? She was about to be married and she wanted to see String one last time. "I'm going for a ride. Tell mom I'll be back before dinner."
Cait saddled up her favorite horse and took off as fast as she could laying low to the horse she cleared the fence. She loved the feel of the wind in her face. Next to flying this was the best feeling in the world. And if she rode fast enough she believed she could outrun her feelings.
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String woke up slowly. He did not want to get out of bed. In eight hours Cait would belong to another man. The pain he felt was almost as bad as when he lost St. John. How did he let things go this far. Looking at the clock he pulled the covers over his head. Even Tet seemed to be sad as if he knew she was never coming back. Sleep was the only way String could escape the pain, that and whiskey. Sleep didn't leave him with a headache.
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St. John had stayed at Dom's place. Michael was going to pick them up and head to the Firms airfield where they would all take a jet. "Dom can I have the shower now? It sounded like an Italian opera in there."
"So I like to sing in the shower. Is there any harm in that?"
"There is if you're the one that has to listen"
"You young people. You wouldn't know good singin if you heard it."
"Well I'm defiantly not hearing it now."
"You better get in the shower boy, Michael will be here in an hour."
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Maggie was running around making sure the BBQ was on and the chairs were being set up. Flowers were being delivered as Erin was directing the florist. Cait didn't want a big wedding. She wanted friends and family and everything kept simple. The guest list was quite large. Between Tom and Cait there would be over three hundred people and that was after they trimmed down the guest list The ranch was large enough to handle it.
"Erin you had better start getting ready." Maggie shouted to her. "It's two hours to go." Cait did not want a large wedding party so Erin was the only bride's maid. Cait had so many friends that if they all couldn't be in the wedding then it was best none of them were. Tom's brother would be his best man.
"I'm fine mom, just let me finish with the flowers first."
Cait sat in her room putting finishing touches to her hair and makeup. "You look beautiful pumpkin." Her dad said as he stood in the doorway.
"Thanks daddy, a girl still needs to hear that from her father.'
"You know if you want to change your mind about this marriage it's not too late."
"Dad, not again" Cait grinned.
"No Cait, I'm not kidding this time. I just want you to know that if this is not what you want I don't have a problem telling everyone to go home."
Cait hugged her dad. "Please go get ready. You are going to be walking me down the aisle in less than two hours but not looking like this."
Her father sighed then kissed her. He thought he had to give it one last try. He turned to leave.
"Daddy. I will be fine."
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Michael and Marella arrived in the Firms limo at Dom's house. "Dom you look handsome." Marella said smiling at Dom.
"Well seein as its Cait's big day I wanted to look my best."
The limo pulled up to the Firms airfield where there was a jet already waiting. Marella would normally fly them but today she did not want to do anything but enjoy the day so Michael had a pilot waiting with the plane. As they were approaching the plane they saw someone with their back to them with his arms crossed.
"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle Dom said. It's String."
String had been so deep in thought that he did not notice they had driven up.
Dom ran over pulling him into an uncomfortable bear hug. "Kid, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you."
String broke Dom's hold."Ok, I get it you're happy to see me." String was trying to put up a good front. He did not want to bring everyone down. Being unable to go back to sleep this morning he had laid there thinking about Cait. He had to see her one more time. The least he could do for her was to wish her a happy life and let her know that things were ok between them. It was going to be one of the hardest things he would ever do.
Most of the flight was spent reminiscing about Cait. Each one telling a favorite story. Michael told of the mission she came on to rescue him in Germany. Dom talked about the first time they saw Cait in the back of the pickup truck in Pope County. String let his mind wander back to that day in the Pope county jail. The first time he laid eyes on her he was attracted to her. And it was not just her looks. It was her honesty and loyalty. This conversation was becoming more and more painful. If he had this much trouble listening to stories about her how much harder was it going to be to watch her get married. He was now wishing he never came.
The plane landed on the landing strip of the O'Shannessy ranch. There were several other small planes already sitting there.
"Boy, it looks like everyone in Texas is here." Dom said.
Michael replied, "Her parents are well-respected around here and I hear her father knows everyone."
"You're not kidding, St. John said. Isn't that the Governor of Texas standing over there?"
"I thought her dad knew a lot of people, but the Governor!" Dom exclaimed.
Maggie spotting Dom ran over to greet them. "Dom, String" as she hugged them. "You must be St. John?" She said as she hugged him as well. "Cait has told me a lot about you. "That means you must be Michael and Marella?"
"It's nice to meet you." Michael said taking her hand. "You raised a wonderful daughter."
"Thank you. We think so as well. The wedding should start in half an hour. Why don't you all go to the bar at the pool and have a drink. I know I could use one right about now if I could. So if you'll excuse me I need to get things under way.
The others walked to the make shift bar for a quick drink before the wedding. String broke off from the group to take a walk.
'I guess I shouldn't have ridden him so hard about coming." Dom said regretting it. He knew this was breaking Strings heart.
"You think I should go after him?' St. John asked.
"No leave him be. I know him, right now he needs to be alone.
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Cait was sitting at her dressing table adjusting her hair for the last time. She thought about what her father had said. He could easily tell everyone the wedding was off if she wanted him to. She did love Tom. Not in the way she loved String. She would never love any man that way again. Tom was the closest she would ever come. She was startled by a knock at the door."Come In."
"I know its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding but I had to see you."
"Tom what are you doing here. We are getting married in fifteen minutes."
"Wow Cait, you look absolutely beautiful."
I wanted you to see me for the first time when I walked down the aisle. Why do you need to see me?
"I don't know, I guess I wanted to make sure that you really want to be married to me.
Cait started to speak but tom stopped her. "I know you love me. But I have always had the feeling that you love someone else and I am second choice."
"Why would you wait until our wedding day to tell me you feel this way? What am I supposed to say?"
"The truth, I think I deserve that much."
"We are getting married, now I said I love you and I don't know what more you want out of me." Cait continued fixing her hair.
"I would like for you to say you are in love with me. Can you do that?"
"Tom, I am not going to have this conversation with you right now. Please go down stairs and tell them we're ready."
"No Caitlin, I won't do that. I can't."
"You're scaring me. This can't be happening."
"One of us has to be strong enough to make the decision. If we go through with this we will both end up miserable."
Cait froze. Those were her exact words when she left California only this time she was on the receiving end of them. She never gave String a chance to say how he felt. She looked up to see Tom walk out the door.
String spotted Tom leaving the house. Maggie and Erin stopped him. As Tom was talking to them both women seemed upset. Erin ran to the house as Maggie started looking for her husband.
"Is everything Ok Mrs. O'Shannessy?"
"I may need your help String. I need to find Patrick and quick. Tom just told Cait he wasn't going through with the wedding."
"Did he say why?"
"I was hoping you could tell me."
"Me, why me?"
"He's not marrying her because he thinks she is in love with someone else."
Strings heart was beating so fast he thought Maggie could hear it. She's not getting married. It was if God had thought he had suffered enough heartache in his life and now he had been given a second chance with Catlin.
Maggie found Patrick. He was exchanging war stories with Dom while the others listened. String followed Maggie over to them.
"What do you mean he left." Patrick was furious that Tom had dumped his daughter at the altar but at the same time he seemed relieved.
"I had better go up and see if Cait is alright." Maggie said turning to leave. She was met by Erin standing behind her.
"Too late." Erin said. "She's gone."
"What do you mean, gone?" Dom replied.
"She told me she had to get out of here. I tried to stop her but you know if Cait sets her mind to something there is no talking to her."
Maggie was pacing back and forth. "What do we do now? I should probably let the guest know what is going on. They can stay and eat if they like. Heavens to Betsy, I forgot we have all this food and…"
"Maggie" Patrick put his hands on her shoulders looking her in the eyes. "It's going to be fine. I will take care of telling everyone." He then kissed the tip of her nose. His very touch seemed to calm her down.
String stopped Patrick as he turned to make the announcement. "Sir, with your permission I would like to marry Cait."
Dom was taking a sip of beer to calm his nerves and chocked as he heard String ask for Cait's hand in marriage. "Thank you God" he said as he raised his hands to heaven. Michael was standing with his mouth open, St. John was beaming. His brother had just taken his first step to true happiness.
"Son, do you love my daughter?'
"Yes Sir."
"Will you do everything in your power to make her happy?"
"Yes sir I will."
"Well seeing as I know she is in love with you I give you my Blessing."
"Now we just need to find her." Dom reminded the group."
Patrick taking String by the arm said, "I think I can help with that. You'll find her at the bunk house about a mile down the road. You can take one of the jeeps."
"How do you know she will be there?"
"Because since she was a little girl whenever anything was bothering her that is where I would find her."
String looked to Michael." I need a marriage license."
"Consider it done. Marella is already making a call.
String headed to the jeep as Maggie followed. "I just want you to know that I am glad you are going to be my son in-law. I know how much Cait loves you."
"We're not married yet, first I need to ask her and the answer may not be yes."
"Somehow String, I think you'll convince her. So go. I am going to let our guest know the wedding will be a little late."
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String drove down a dirt road about a mile. He saw a jeep outside the bunk house. It sat in the middle of a grove of trees. As he walked toward it he could hear the sound of a stream that ran close to the house. Walking to the open door he saw Cait leaning against the wall with her arms crossed looking out an open window staring at the stream. The sun was peaking in as it surrounded her. She took his breath away. Even though she had been crying she made a beautiful bride. He did not want to announce his presence just yet. He wanted to take in the sight of her standing there unaware.
"You're beautiful, you know that."
Cait was startled to see String standing there. Her pulse quickened. He was the last person she expected to see. He was so handsome. He was wearing the suite he wore the night of the Frims dinner. She wiped the tears from her eyes. The last thing she needed was him feeling sorry for her. "I don't want to talk; I just want to be left alone." Cait started to walk to the door. String took a step sideways and blocked her.
"Not going to happen. I let you walk away before. I won't make that mistake again."
"There's nothing you can say to me that will make this ok. I finally decide to make a life for myself and the man I think I am going to spend the rest of my life with leaves me on my wedding day, I mean what's wrong with me that men seem to run the other way."
"Cait….."
"No String, I don't want to hear how I have my whole life ahead of me and there will be someone else and…."
Cait did not get a chance to finish her sentence. String grabbed her pulling her to the door, "Come on."
"Let go of me. I don't need you trying to rescue me from this. I'm not you're problem anymore." Breaking away from him she ran outside String right behind her. Before she got to the jeep he caught her. She took a swing at him. He ducked down putting her over his shoulder.
"Put me down." She screamed pounding her fist into his back.
"You're getting married" He said as he tried to balance her as she wiggled to break free.
"What are you going to do String, put a gun to his head and make him marry me?"
"Who said anything about Tom?"
"Well who else would I be marrying?"
"I was hoping it would be me."
When Cait stopped struggling String gently put her down facing him, he took her in his arms.
"What did you just say?"
"I was asking you to marry me?"
"Because you feel sorry for me?" Her eyes were searching his for the truth.
"No because you are the only woman who I have ever loved. It took losing you to give me the courage to admit it." Reaching down to her lips he lightly kissed her.
Cait felt her knees go weak. She had wanted to feel his lips and taste his kiss for so long. She was helpless at this point. He could have asked her anything at this moment and she would have agreed.
"Well?" He said finally breaking the kiss. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes" She answered softly
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Cait and String drove up to the ranch. She was surprised to see that everyone was still there except for Tom's family. Erin ran up to Wisk her out of the jeep. "Come on we need to get you inside and presentable."
"I don't understand." Cait said looking confused.
"Cait when I said I wanted to marry you I meant now"
"But how can we? We need a marriage license."
Michael walked up to Cait."I have that covered." As he kissed her. "Congratulations on your engagement."
"Come on, let's get you inside and fix your face. Marella would you like to give me a hand?" Erin asked.
Dom and St. John took String by the arm leading him to the pool house to wait on Cait. "You nervous kid?' Dom asked with a smirk winking at him. "You need me to have a father son talk with you?" Dom was now laughing along with St. John.
"No I think I can manage from here."
"Seriously Son, I am happy for you. Now maybe I get some grandbabies
.
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Everyone by now had been informed of what happened and were seated all eyes waiting for the bride to appear. St. John was Strings best man and Dom was seated where the parents of the groom would be along with Michael and Marella. String stood looking down the aisle. He couldn't wait for Cait. The half hour they had now been separated was too long. He never wanted to be away from her again. The music started. Erin made her way down to where String was waiting. Then was Cait's cue, everyone rose.
It was if String were seeing her for the first time in her dress. A rare smile crossed his face. She was going to be his.
Standing facing each other as the minister spoke Cait could not believe this was real. An hour ago she was left at the altar by a man she was not in love with. Now she was here marrying the only man she could love.
Cait had chosen the wedding vows that her mother and father had used.
The minister turned to String.
Stringfellow ,do you take Catlin, to be your friend, your lover, the mother of your children and your wife. In times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. Do you promise to cherish and respect Her, to care and protect, to comfort and encourage , and stay with Her, for all eternity.
"I do" He said as he fought back the tears.
"The ring please." The minister instructed. The ring, they had forgotten about the rings. The minster started laughing as did everyone else. Stepping out the minister addressed the guest.
"Does anyone have a ring?"
Erin quickly took off her Irish Claddagh ring handing it to String.
Dom stood up walking toward Cait. He pulled his pinky ring off handing it to her. Looking at String he said "I want this back" as he winked at him.
"Now String you may place the ring on her finger."
Catlin ,do you take Stringfellow, to be your friend, your lover, the father of your children and your husband. In times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. Do you promise to cherish and respect Him, to care and protect, to comfort and encourage , and stay with Him, for all eternity.
"I do "She said taking his eyes with hers holding him in the moment.
"Cait you may place the Ring on his finger.
"What God has joined together let no man put asunder"
"Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Mr. and Mrs. Hawke." "You may kiss the bride."
String took Cait in his arms. Neither one of them seemed to be aware of anyone else. Cait closed her eyes as she felt her whole body shake at his touch. String could feel her body tremble. If one kiss could do this to her then he could not wait for their wedding night.
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The music was playing and there was plenty of BBQ and good food. Cait and String went through the ritual of the wedding pictures. They sat at the bride and grooms table with their family and friends as new family and friend were introduced to String. They cut the cake and shared a piece.
It was getting late when Maggie suddenly realized they had nowhere to go for a honeymoon. "I guess we could try to get you a hotel room for the night. I'm sure you don't want to stay in the pool house?"
"I think I have this covered." Michael said placing a hand on Strings shoulder. I've told our pilot to take you anywhere you want to go. So when you're ready just let him know. I have another plane coming for the rest of us."
Cait kissed Michael. "Thanks Michael for everything."
"No need to thank me. I have ulterior motives for helping out. You see I prefer Hawke when you're around, He is much easier to deal with."
Cait turned to String. "I guess I should go change now. Why don't you be thinking of where we can go."
String taking her by the arm led her away so no one would hear what he had to say. "I was kind of hoping you would stay in your dress until we get to where we are going."
Cait looked confused.
"I wanted to take your dress off."
Cait blushed. "I think that can be arranged. I'm already packed so we can leave now if you like."
"I like" he said with a mischievous grin.
Cait's luggage was on the plane. She said her goodbyes. The last tradition was to throw the bouquet. Turning to face the group of women that stood before her she looked around. She thought "she sure isn't going to make this easy on me standing off out of the way. Here goes." Turning back around and taking careful aim Cait released the bouquet landing straight in Marella's lap. String laughed at the look on Michael's face. It was priceless.
Dom and St. John walked them to the plane. "You know I love you both" St. John said giving String a hug and Cait a kiss. "Same goes for me." Dom said pulling them both in for a hug. "Now get going."
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It was very quiet on the plane. They were alone at last.
"Happy Cait?"
"I never knew anyone could be this happy. It's not even a word that can describe how I feel. So where are we going?'
"You'll See." He said with a wink.
