Thinking Out Loud

by Blossomangel85

Having been back on the island for around 3 months now, Catherine enjoys a full uninterrupted 24 hours with Steve on Valentines Day, starting from 5am on February 14th 2020, till 5am on February 15th 2020. Continuation of my other works Winds of change, Right here Waiting, One for Sorrow.

3. Chapter 3

Thinking out loud
Pairing: McRoll
Chapter - 3

Part of the Wind of change, One for Sorrow series..
24 hours in the life of McRoll - Valentines Day edition.

12:30pm
Rollins-McGarrett Family Home.

Waking up a short time later, it was now showing 12:30pm on the bedside clock, he smiled softly seeing Catherine beside him reading a book.. She had woken up only fifteen minutes before he did but decided not to wake him up. "I was thinking maybe I'd make BLT's for lunch, what do you think Commander?" Chuckling softly, he remembered the first lunch date they had as friends, they both had BLT's and so it now always held a special place in their hearts. "BLT's sound perfect".

Rolling closer to her, he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her softly, "Do you remember the lunch date we went on, all our friends thought we were dating and even then we told them we weren't, they didn't believe us". Catherine remembered that day well, they both already begun developing feelings towards each other at that point, but neither had wanted to say anything in case the other didn't feel the same.

By the time they became best friends, neither one wanted to say anything in case it ruined their friendship.. Now twenty years later, they were finally engaged.. Snuggling in to him, she kissed his chest, "Freddie ribbed you for months afterwards, wanting to know the details, details of something that hadn't happened". He sighed softly, he had been thinking about Freddie a lot lately now that he was finally settling down..

Freddie would have loved to hear this news, that he and Catherine had finally gotten engaged, and would have wanted to share in it.. "He would have been the first to say along with Danny, 'about time McGarrett'". His heart ached for his buddy, and he thought of Kelly, Freddie's parents and his daughter whom would be about ten now. Catherine sensed the sadness and cuddled him closer, "It's okay to miss him Steve, and to wish he was still here.. Maybe we should invite Kelly and Ava to stay when they have some time.. I know Joan, Ava and Charlie will all get along well".

It never ceased to amaze him that she could make him feel so much better in just a few short sentences.. "I do miss him Cath, and I know I'd love to get to know little Ava a little better as well, and it would be lovely to see Kelly again.. We can call her and Freddie's parents to let them know the good news and ask her then".

She leaned in and kissed him softly, "I know you feel guilt Steve, but from what you told me.. He sacrificed his life so that you could do your job and get home to the people you care about.. I know he would be extremely proud of you babe". Kelly had named Steve as Ava's godfather and he had seen them a few times over the years since they buried him, but one of the main reasons he stayed away was because of the guilt. Kelly and Freddie's parents never blamed Steve, in fact they told him over and over he did the right thing and that Freddie died for his country with honour.

Sitting up, he wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded, "Thank you Catherine.. I still have trouble believing that but when you say it, I can believe.. I really needed to hear that". He still had nightmares over that day, and the day of his fathers death which were only a couple days apart, in two days, he had lost his best friend, and father.. It had really taken it's toll on him over the years.. "I'll always tell you want you need to know and I'll say it as many times as needed".

She took his hand, and brought it to her lips, "Now, how about we go have some lunch, because I think we need to keep up our strength", he smirked and pulled her closer to him, chuckling, "I've got stamina baby, I just hope you can keep up". Laughing softly, she kissed his lips and then pulled away to get dressed again, standing up to find her clothes, "You got no worries in that department Steve".

3:00pm
Rollins-McGarrett Family Home.

It had been the perfect Valentines day so far, it had been just her and Steve all day and it was just what the doctor had ordered. They needed the time together to reconnect and bond, and just keep their love strong.. After lunch, they had decided to watch another movie, this time they did watch Dirty Dancing, and even Steve had to admit, he enjoyed it.

Admitting he wouldn't mind learning the dance that Baby and Johnny did at the end of the movie for their wedding dance or the Thinking out Loud dance that was done for the Ed Sheeran video clip to which Catherine was surprised because Steve wasn't a big dancer..

"So you are saying Sailor, that we could learn that dance from dirty dancing or the Ed Sheeran one for Thinking out loud?", she looked doubtful, however he had that spark in his eyes that said he would be willing to consider it.. "I do think the thinking out loud dance is very beautiful and intensely intimate, so yes, I am saying I would consider it".

She smiled softly and leaned in, stealing an Oreo cookie from his hand, pulling it apart so she could dunk it in her milk. "Well, I look forward to learning it with you then Commander".

Smirking, he chuckled and was about to respond when he got a text from Mary to say that she was sorry to interrupt their day off on Valentines Day, however Joanie needed to come see them.. She had brought Catherine some sunflowers and Daisys and Steve, she brought his favourite cookies, more Oreo cookies and some Hershey's kisses. "Is it okay if Mary and Joanie stop by? Joanie is desperate to visit us today apparently".

Nodding her head, and taking a sip from her milk, swallowing and then answering him. "Of course that is fine". Steve answered his sister to let her know it was okay and he smiled, looking them over too make sure they were decent enough.

Ten minutes later, a knock came from the door, Eddie running over to wait by the door for Steve to answer it. Standing to answer it, he felt rather then saw two little arms wrap around his legs as a little body hugged him tight, "Uncleee Steve.. It's Valentines Day", she exclaimed excitedly, before Steve bent down a little to pick his small niece up and into his arms. "I know Joanie, and guess what.. Aunt Catherine and I have a special present just for you".

She smiled happily and leant in to kiss her Uncle on the cheek before wriggling to get down and then she ran over to her Aunt who was sitting on the couch still and she scrambled onto her lap and gave her a big hug as well. It was really sweet that Joanie had that connection with Catherine already and it made Steve's heart swell with pride, he smiled seeing his sister come in behind Mary, "Hey Sis, Happy Valentines Day", he pulled her into a hug, hugging him back, she couldn't help a smile too, "Happy Valentines Day bro".

For the longest time, he was so angry at Mary for missing their father's funeral and ten years ago if you had told him that Mary would be here on the island with her own daughter and they as brother and sister would be so close, he would have not believed it.. "Come here Uncle Steve", brought Steve out of his thoughts and he smiled, looking over at her as she patted the couch next to where Catherine was sitting.

Catherine had a present for Joan on the table as well, and he smiled at Joan's enthusiasm as she looked over at her mother whom had two gift bags in her hands. Mary handed them over to Joanie, "I brought you guys some presents for Valentines day, we finally get to be here with you on this day". The one with the Hershey's kisses and Oreo's, she gave Steve and then one with the Daisys and sunflowers, she gave to Catherine.

"Awe, thank you so much sweetheart, that is so sweet of you", Steve responded, kissing her cheek before looking in the bag, "and wow, my favourites.. I might even share one with my favourite girls". Catherine's favourite flowers were sunflowers and Daisys and her heart warmed at the thought that Joan had managed to find that out, she hugged Joan tight and kissed her cheek, not realising the way her hand was holding Joan that her ring was showing.

All of a sudden a squeal came from Mary, "Ohh my god, I.. wow this is news", was her only response.. "What news?", Steve was confused, what was Mary going on about all of a sudden, "The ring.. don't deny it.. I can see it, and the glow that Catherine has all over her face, and you too bro, I can't believe he proposed, Ohh I'm so excited".

Catherine had a smile from ear to ear and when she looked at her brother, he did as well, "When did he do this?", she asked, moving over to sit in between her brother and future sister in law, pulling Catherine's hand gently towards her.. "This morning, he asked me out the back on the beach". Mary smiled wider and leaned in, hugging Catherine, and then let go, turning to hug her brother, "I'm so happy for you both".

Joan hugged her Aunt and Uncle tight and smiled, "Do this mean I get to be in your wedding?", Mary looked at her daughter and blushed, however Catherine smiled brightly. "Of course it does, both your Mom and you get to be in the wedding". Catherine hadn't any siblings of her own so she knew she wanted Mary to be in the wedding, but she also wanted her other girls to be involved as well.

"I can't wait", she bounced up and down on Catherine's lap, and then Steve remembered the present for Joan, "Cath, the", his head moved towards where the present was, and she instantly knew what he meant.. Reaching for it, she smiled, "This is just something small that Uncle Steve and I wanted you to have, and Mary there is a something little there for you too".

Flowers for both of them, Hershey's kisses for Mary, and a Disney Princess dress for Joan of her labourite Disney character Mulan, because she was a lot like Catherine, and didn't need saving.

"Okay, say thank you to your Aunt and Uncle and we should give them some time alone now to celebrate", They both said goodbye to Mary and Joan, and then finally they were on their own again.. "Mary is something else.. She has accepted you as a sister in her life and I'm just so glad.. I know she loved having a big brother, but I always sensed she wanted a sister, and now she has one".

Catherine smiled, leaning into Steve as she cheekily stole one of the kisses, and nodded.. "I was happy being an only child, but now I have Mary, I do feel like something had been missing in my life.. I can't wait to be married to you and be an offical part of the McGarrett family". Leaning in and kissing her softly, he whispered, "Marriage licence or not, you will always be an offical part of the McGarrett family, and that will never change".

4:30pm
Rollins-McGarrett Family Home

Coming in from a long run with Eddie, they were both sweating and in need of showering before they could even think of doing anything else. As Steve cut up some chicken for Eddie to eat, he smiled softly, Catherine talking to Eddie softly, patting his back and then rubbing his stomach when he rolled over. "How about a nice romantic candle lit bath, that sound good to you Lieutenant?", he couldn't help but ask, taking his eyes off what he was doing for a moment.. "Sounds perfect to me Commander, and to think.. You never used to be this romantic".

Standing up, she walked over to him, running her hands down his sides, causing him to gasp a little. "Mmm well I'm a changed man now..", At her look, a look that was suspiciously similar to that of his partner Danny Williams, he smirked.. "Well, maybe just a little changed..", That look again and he was laughing, "Okay, not really at all changed but this is a special occasion, and I just want the day to be perfect and romantic for both of us". Nodding her head, she smiled happily, "I love you just the way you are Sailor, you never need to change for me, but I appreciate the effort you have put in today for me".

Smiling, he leaned in and kissed her softly, "I love you too Cath, and I'll always try to put as much effort in as I can, why don't you go and get the bath started and I'll finish up here and meet you up there". Nodding her head, she smiled, kissed him again, and then walked out of the kitchen to head upstairs. Nothing ever had to be too over the top of them both, but it was nice to know that Steve was trying to make more of an effort to be there for her..

She knew the demands of his job and knew being the head of five-o meant that he was always on call and needed, though there were so many of them now that could do the job just as well, and Steve only assembles people whom he trusts so she knew that him making an effort and taking days off here and there was his way of telling her things would be different this time around as he knew that they both needed to put the time and effort into making this work..

Settling into the hot scented bubble bath, she smiled when she saw him walk in with a bottle of wine, two glasses, strawberries, melted chocolate and ice-cream.. "Mmm you thought of everything didn't you Sailor". Settling it all down on the side end of the bath tub that had enough room to hold other items, he began to slowly undress.. "That I certainly did Cath". Once he was naked, he couldn't help but smirk when he saw her eyeing him off, top to bottom.. "I take it you like what you see Lieutenant Rollins?"

Licking her lips, she nodded her head as she moved to the end of the bath and picked out a strawberry and then dipped it in the ice-cream and melted hot chocolate, "Mmm I really really love what I see Commander". Moving to the end of the bath where he left the wine and glasses, he poured them both a glass and then stepped in and sat down, letting out a soft moan at the hot water hitting the aches and pains of his body.

Handing her a glass, he smiled and clinked his glass to hers, "To us".. Moving closer to him, and clinking her glass back, "Cheers, here's to us and to our happy future". Taking a sip of her wine, she could see him taking one of the spoons and putting some of the ice-cream on it, and then fed some to her, the ends of her hair getting end from the water and bubbles, she moaned at the feeling of the texture, taste and temperature of the ice-cream going down her throat.

"Thank you for waiting for me Steve". Her voice dropped lower, her eyes gazing into his lovingly. She was always playful, but this time she looked serious, and he felt she needed to get something of her chest. Taking their glasses and setting them down, he moved her onto his lap, using his fingers to guide her hair behind her ears waiting for her to continue. "I know you said you couldn't wait for me anymore when I left the last time and if the CIA hadn't forced me to join them, I would have stayed.. I need you to know that I never stopped loving you".

Leaning closer to her, their chests pressing against each other, loving the way her breasts pressed against him, he kissed her deeply, and passionately before slowly pulling his head away to look into her eyes again.. "It's always been you Catherine.. I said that mainly because I was planning on proposing to you sometime within the next day or so after that, and just all those emotions of losing you hit me all at once.. thinking you wanted more then just a relationship and a family with me, it made me feel like when my mother abandoned me".

He could see she was about to talk, and he put his finger gently to her lips, "We both did end up dating here and there but we both realised where we were meant to be, and that is with each other.. I've never stopped loving you and though I said I couldn't wait anymore back then, my heart knew I was lying to you and to myself because it's always and ever going to be you.. I can't wait till we get married, and we finally have a family together… When suspects asks that question to throw you off from understanding, 'are you married' or 'do you have kids', I can't wait for the day when I can finally say yes, as a matter of fact, I do".

Her eyes lit up at that and she leaned in, kissing him again, her arm reaching out to get a strawberry and she dipped it into the melting ice-cream and melted chocolate and then fed it to Steve, "I can't wait for the day when I can be Mrs Catherine Jane Rollins-McGarrett.. I might have an idea as well". He chuckled as he swallowed the strawberry and nodded, "and what is this idea Mrs soon to be Rollins-McGarrett".

"We've told Mary and Joan.. Why don't we Skype my parents after we get out of here and tell them, then we go to the cemetery, and we tell your parents.. and on the way home, get some takeout, Tomorrow, we can let the team know". He smiled wide, a slight tear rolling down his cheek, "I think that is a perfect idea". Catherine knew he always went to his father and now his father and mother's grave anytime he wanted to share any kind of news with them, and this was exactly why he waited for her.. She knew him better then he knew himself and that's why he loved her so much.

6:00pm
Rollins-McGarrett Family home.

Using Catherine's laptop, they signed in to skype and having already texted her mother to let them know she was calling, she found her mother's details and hit the call button, feeling a little nervous at the thought of telling her parents.. It wasn't though she was afraid they would not accept this engagement, but she was just worried they might think it was too soon after they got back together.

Though what she didn't know what was that when her parents were on the island for Christmas, Steve pulled both of them aside and asked permission for him to marry her.

Neither knew when it was coming, but they knew it was going to happen at some point and both her parents had given their blessing for Steve to ask their only daughter to marry him. "Hi there sweetheart", Catherine's mother Jane answered the call, "Happy Valentines Day". Catherine smiled, leaning into Steve, "Happy Valentines Day to you too Mom, where is Dad?" She couldn't see him there, but just as she said that, he came into frame and sat beside his wife.

Michael Rollins handed his wife glass of wine and smiled at the couple on the screen, "I'm right here darling, Happy Valentines day to you both, I hope you didn't have to work too hard". Steve smirked and chuckled at that, "No, Sir, we both had the day off. The perks of being the boss I suppose". After having talked for a few moments, Catherine cleared her throat.. "So, Steve and I called for a reason". Both of her parents sat up a little straighter and looked at each other before they looked back at the camera and image of Steve and Catherine on screen..

Though they both knew he was planning to propose, they weren't sure if this was it.. Surely they weren't calling to say things were off, though Jane thought that maybe she was going to say she was pregnant.. She wanted to be a grandmother desperately but never pushed her daughter into having a child until she was ready herself. "What's going on sweetie?", her mother asked in a soft voice, feeling excited and a little nervous.

Catherine looked at her mother and father, her hand squeezing Steves, interlacing their fingers, "It's.. well, it's this.. I was wondering how you would feel about adding a son into your lives… Steve proposed to me this morning and I said yes.. so we are getting married". Her voice grew more excited as her smile grew, the butterflies turning into excited energy as soon as she saw the excited and happy expressions on her parents faces.

"Ohh honey, we can't wait to see you and Steve married, but I'll let you in on a secret.. We have considered Steve to be a part of our family for a very long time.. I can't wait to officially welcome him into the Rollins family, but you Steve have always been like a son to us, and we are really happy for you both, Congratulations.. I know your own parents and even Joe will be proud of you both".

Her father was the first to speak and he was honestly really excited to hear this news. Steve was like a son and even when he and Catherine weren't together, he still kept in touch with himself and Jane, and he treated them much like another set of parental figures as well.. Steve welled up and smiled softly, "Thanks Michael, I really appreciate your words".

Jane smiled at her daughter and the man she had come to love like a son, "I echo your father's words.. We are so proud of you both, you have always done things on your own time frame and this is no different.. I am just so glad to see you two back where you belong, with each other.. but I have to ask sweetheart.. why the nerves Catherine?"

Even through the phone, she could sense her daughters nerves, she chuckled and looked at Steve before looking back towards her parents.. "I guess I was just nervous you might think it was too soon after we got back together and felt perhaps we should wait a while". Her mother shook her head, "You two have been dating on and off for what, nearly twenty years.. The only thought on most peoples minds will be, 'about time'. Again I go back to you two doing things your way when you were ready".

After they hung up, they smiled softly.. "See, told you.. You had nothing to worry about Cath". Leaning in, she kissed him and nodded.. "I know.. now how about we go visit your parents at the cemetery and then grab some dinner?" Standing up, he took her hand in his and helped her up.. "I'd really like that".

It was a little somber on the way to the cemetery.. They had been a few times since they buried his mother, and yet each time, it was a somber feeling even though he was happy.. He just never expected to be visiting both his parents there so soon, he thought he could have told his mother in person this news…

Getting out of the car, Catherine followed him with some fresh flowers for the graves and gave him a moment alone, standing just a little behind him before walking up beside him and taking his hand in hers as they sat together on the grass.. "Happy Valentines Day Mom and Dad.. First one you have spent together in a very long time so I won't take up too much of your time". He always spoke at the grave site as though he was talking directly to them, it made him feel a little better about having to visit them at a grave site.

Catherine put the flowers onto the grave site, there was a little vase there imbedded just above the grave stones and she took the old dead ones out and put the new ones in.. "Hi John, Doris.. Happy Valentines day to you both.. Steve and I just wanted to give you some news, some news I think you both would love to hear".

Steves eyes welled up, and Catherine put her hand over his as he placed it on the grave stone, his voice welling up, "Catherine is going to be a McGarrett.. I know Dad.. you say finally, about time.. I know it's what a lot of people will say.. I know Danny will for sure.. I asked her to marry me this morning.. In the same spot you asked Mom to marry you on Valentines day all those many years ago", Catherine let out a tiny gasp, squeezing his hand tighter as she didn't know that detail till now.. "I can't wait to be a husband and a father, and I really just want to do the best I can and make you proud".

At that, he broke down and cried, Catherine moving closer and tugging him towards her, pulling her into his arms and holding him tight, her own emotions getting the best of her, "I promise to take care of your son and to love him and cherish him for the rest of my days, I look forward to being a wife and a mother and bringing our children here to visit with their grandparents".

As happy a day as this was for them, it also was a day of reflecting as well, and they had talked about so many things, and it made Catherine love him even more then before.. Not many people saw the man behind the badge, few people got the privilege, but Catherine knew him and she loved him, exactly as he was…

They stayed there for a while, and then as day began to break and sunset began to hit, they stood up and walked towards the truck, knowing that John and Doris would have heard them and satisfied they would have approved.. Catherine had met John when he came to see Steve on shore leave one time and Catherine was there with him, and she had met his mother on many occasions..

Now they had told their parents, the next step was telling their Ohana, and boy were they going to be excited and happy to be apart of this happy occasion.

Author's Notes:
I am so pleasantly surprised at how these two chapters came out when I wrote them, and I am really proud of myself for writing them. I love McRoll and they are my OTP for Hawaii five-o, I can't see Cath with someone else and I can't see Steve with someone else either. I've only done chapter three on this one as it has taken me a while to get this one done since it's in different times of the day and I didn't want to gloss over details that occurred in that time frame, so this chapter is much longer than my usual chapters so hopefully that makes up for not being two chapters.. I wanted to get this one out as soon as it was finished.. I'm looking forward to writing the evening chapter, chapter 4 and I hope you guys enjoy this one and 4 when it's finished. I may end up doing chapter 5 as well just so I can do the next day and give you the reactions of the five-o guys. This chapter has a bit of angst in it here and there but I feel it's real progress of their relationship that they can go from having fun happy conversations, being intimate and then having emotional conversations as well. For anyone as well, I have an instagram account for my Catherine, if anyone is interested in following me, please message me for details, not sure if it's allowed to put other social media account names in these stories so message me if you would like to follow.

Pilarmnavas:
Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed this chapter.. I really enjoyed writing those two chapters as well, and I am extremely happy with how it turned out too. Big hugs back at you. xD

SteveMcGarrettLover:
I am so so please you loved this story so far, and I hope you love this next chapter I have done.. Again you are the reason I keep feeling motivated to keep with these ones, so thank you for all your amazing kind words. I appreciate you so much xx This next one, chapter 3 goes into the afternoon a bit more and early evening and the final chapter will be evening, and then I am thinking of doing a 5th chapter to get the five-ohana's reactions to the proposal.. I was going to have it in chapter 3, but thought perhaps the parents need to be told first then the Ohana.