Disclaimer: ALL characters belong to Viacom, Paramount and CBS. No infringement is intended, as this story is written for fun only. The characters, Detectives Mike Rogers and Tom Larkin belong to Ofelia Reveles. The characters, Katherine Lena (Katie) Sloan and Lena's mom (I gave Lena's mom a name – Eunice Fournay) belong to Emma Gentz. I also borrowed some of Emma's story content regarding the events in Steve and Lena's marriage, Katie's birth, Lena's death, and Steve and Ellen's romance. I however added a new spin: Steve and Ellen have a devastating break-up
This chapter details Steve and Ellen getting to know one another more intimately. They fall in love fast and furious. Steve is anxious to find the woman who would be a wife to him and a mother to his daughter, Katie.
Chapter Six – Steve And Ellen Fall In Love...Finally!
Ellen Pleads Her Cause Before Lt. Steve Sloan
Ellen came back to the beach house later, just in time to see the news reporter, Delilah Stoner, reporting the 'breaking' headliner regarding the alleged corruption among the ranks of the LAPD, Lt. Steve Sloan being the chief suspect.
As her narrative, Ellen told Steve of the conversation that C.S. Hubing overheard between the weekend anchorwoman, Elizabeth Kramer and field reporter Delilah Stoner.
"Steve," Ellen began sadly, "I didn't give anyone permission to release that story. It wasn't complete and I came here to get your side of the story. I had this story copyrighted to prevent this very thing from happening." Ellen replied pointing to the offending breaking news report.
"Ellen, you said that Mr. Whitaker was the only person, other than yourself that had access to your story," Mark began thoughtfully. "What we need to do is figure out how Ms. Stoner got the draft. Next, we'll need to know her motivation for reporting an erroneous report, especially since she didn't have any sources to back the story up."
Mark looked at his son and asked him about this Stoner woman.
"Steve," Mark began, coming up with a possible reason for Ms. Stoner breaking the story, "did you ever meet Ms. Stoner?"
"Yeah, briefly." Steve replied, confusion spreading across his handsome face, "Why, Dad?"
"I think I may have an idea as to why she would report this story." Mark replied.
"Well, you are going to tell us, aren't you?" Steve asked impatiently.
"Oh, yes, sorry, Son." Mark replied smiling sheepishly. "Ms. Stoner may have some kind of crush on you." Mark would have continued, but a dumbfounded Steve Sloan interrupted him.
"You are kidding, Dad, aren't you?" Steve asked his father in total confusion.
"Why do you find this so hard to believe, Son?" Mark asked, amazed that Steve found it so hard to believe women were interested in him.
"Because, Dad," Steve began, "I didn't say so much as hi to her, that's why. I never gave her any indication that I had any type of feeling for her. At that time, I was so deeply hurt over Lena's death, I didn't have nor did I want the time to pursue a romantic relationship of any kind."
Then, Steve turned to look at Ellen, and spoke.
"But that can be altered," Steve began, smiling affectionately at Ellen. When she returned the smile, her features lit up, causing Steve's stomach to flutter.
"So," Ellen began, "does this mean that you've forgiven me for my stupidity in getting that dreadful story together?"
"Yeah, Ellen," Steve began, "I do. I realize that you weren't the one that authorized Ms. Stoner to report it. From what my father said, you came here to get my side of the story. Now, like may father said, we're gonna have to find out why Ms. Stoner did what she did."
"Steve," Ellen began sadly, "I think you're dad may be onto something."
"What? The jilted lover angle?" Steve asked incredulously. "I don't know."
"Steve," Ellen began smiling slightly, "you are a handsome guy and many women do watch you when you walk."
"When did you ever notice any women looking my way?" Steve asked laughing at the idea of women looking at him. "I didn't notice any of that."
"Well," Ellen began, "Steve, when we were undercover at Mr. Eastwood's home, I noticed some of his female neighbors staring at you. When I first laid eyes on you, I stared. You're a very handsome guy, let's face it."
Steve felt his face flushing a crimson color, which started from his neck up to his face. He never knew that Ellen felt that way about him. He thought that Ellen hated the very ground he walked on. Mark chuckled to himself as he noticed the sudden change in Steve's complexion. Mark was pleased that Ellen opened herself up to Steve and hoped that his son would do the same for Ellen. She had opened the door, and all Steve had to do was walk right in. And walk through that door, Steve did!
"Ellen," Steve began nervously, "can I take you out to dinner sometime?"
"To BBQ Bob's?" Ellen asked with a voice full of hopeful potential.
"I was thinking in terms of a fancy restaurant." Steve replied, crestfallen.
"I want some ribs." Ellen replied smiling.
"I would like to show you that I'm a fancy kind of guy." Steve replied, pleading with Ellen to let him show her his fancy, dancy side.
"You wouldn't deprive a girl of a great tasting rib dinner, would you?" Ellen asked, ribbing Steve in a good-natured way. "It's just that I heard so much about the ribs at BBQ Bob's and how great they taste."
"Okay, okay, you win," Steve began in mock defeat, "we'll go to BBQ Bob's. We have a waitress that's majoring in journalism, and she's just aching to meet you. She reads the Scoop, but she said she'd only read your articles. She said that you're a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary tabloid. She especially liked the story you and my dad did."
"I had a wonderful subject to work with," Ellen began, smiling affectionately at Mark. "So, getting back to our date. When do I get to sink my teeth into those ribs?"
"Ellen, you tasted the ribs from BBQ Bob's before, don't you remember?" Mark asked. "We had lunch while we were working on that story."
"Oh, I did, didn't I?" Ellen asked, embarrassed that she had forgotten those great tasting ribs, courtesy of BBQ Bob's. "Please forgive me for not remembering those great tasting ribs. I can't wait to have dinner at BBQ Bob's. Many of my colleagues liked the casual atmosphere there, being that we work nine plus hours a day, we need a place where we can unwind from a hard day." With that, Ellen explained that she needed to get going, as she had an early day at the paper. Steve walked Ellen to her car, and when she turned to look at Steve, she noticed the look of deep love in his baby blue eyes. Before she could react, he took her face in his strong hands and proceeded to kiss her passionately. When got hold of himself, he apologized to Ellen for taking such liberties with her. She told him that she didn't mind at all. Ellen also told Steve that she longed for his touch, the first time she met him at his Venice condo. Steve was so overcome with feelings of love, that he gave Ellen another passionate kiss. With that, Ellen got into her car and pulled off, leaving Steve to his many thoughts of this budding relationship.
At Ellen's East LA ApartmentEllen sat at her table sipping on a cup of herbal tea. After she finished her tea, she placed the cup on the nightstand. As she slipped under the covers, she thought about the strange turn of events that happened throughout the day. She thought about the story she had planned to write concerning Steve and his possible involvement in a police corruption scandal. She was amazed that Steve could be so forgiving, even though the story could have far reaching effects on his continued employment with the LAPD.
Finally, Ellen realized that she was falling in love with Steve, falling hard for him. She just couldn't get his handsome face off her mind. She thought about the possibility that Delilah Stoner had a score to settle with Lt. Steve Sloan because of him not showing a romantic interest in her. She wondered if Ms. Stoner had ever seen her and Steve together, and figured that there were some feelings of love between them.
"How could she have know that Steve and I had feelings for each other, when neither of us were aware ourselves?" Ellen asked herself. With that last thought, Ellen Sharp drifted off into a restful sleep.
At The Sloan Beach House"Steve," Mark began, looking intently at his son, "I'm glad to see that you and Ellen ironed out your differences."
"Yeah, Dad," Steve began smiling gleefully, "I'm glad too. No more fighting."
"Yes, Son," Mark began happily, "no more fighting. Would you like to join me for a midnight snack or something, Son?"
"No, Dad," Steve began wearily, "I'm sorta tired, so I'm gonna hit the hay. Night, Dad."
"Good night, Son, see you tomorrow." Mark replied smiling affectionately at his son, who returned the smile. With that, Steve went to his downstairs apartment. He took a quick shower. Steve then got in the bed and immediately drifted off into a restful sleep.
The next day found Steve on the phone talking with his mother-in-law, Eunice Fournay. He told her of the new woman in his life. He also informed her that he would be taking it one day at a time, as he didn't want to rush into anything right now.
"Steve," Eunice began, "I'm so glad that you're beginning to get on with your life. Lena would have wanted it that way. Why don't you come up for the weekend? I know you're off duty until next Wednesday."
"How did you know that?" Steve asked. "Wait, don't tell me. Dad told you, didn't he?"
"You know Mark can't hold anything," Eunice began laughing, "I would like you to spend some time with me and Pierre. You know your father-in-law always asks about you. It would be nice for me and Pierre to have two of our favorite people with us."
"And who might that be?" Steve asked, ribbing Eunice.
"Well, you and Katie, of course, smart Alec." Eunice replied, laughing at her son-in-law's silly antics. "Will you come up, Son?"
"Yeah, Eunice," Steve began, "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Is Pierre still cheating at checkers?"
"Yes, and that's why I refuse to play against him." Eunice replied in mock disgust. "But, Steve, we just gotta love him, don't we?"
"Yeah, we do." Steve replied.
"Oh, Steve, someone would like to talk with you," Eunice began, handing the phone over to little Katie.
"Hi, Daddy," Katie began, squealing excitedly. "How awe you and gwanpa? Gwanma said you'we coming to get me and stay with us."
"Yeppers, my Little One," Steve began happily, "I'll be up there some time tomorrow. You be good for Daddy, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy," Katie began, "you be good for me, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy will be good for you." Steve replied laughing at his precious daughter. With that he and Eunice disconnected their call, wishing one another a good morning.
Steve had a pot of coffee made for him and his Dad. They had plans to stay indoors, taking it easy. Steve hadn't had a good day of rest in a long time, so he decided to stay indoors with his Dad, enjoying the rainy day together. As he thought about some fun activities he and his Dad could do, the phone rang. Steve answered it on the third ring.
"Lt. Sloan here." Steve responded into the receiver.
"Hi, Lieutenant," Ellen replied cheerfully. "How's your morning?"
"Great," Steve began happily, "Ellen, you weren't kidding when you said you had an early day. Wow!"
"You can say that, again, Sloan," Ellen began, "I've been at my typewriter since about 4:30am this morning, and I am so dog-tired. What are your plans for today?"
"Well," Steve began, "me and my Dad are just gonna take it easy today. With the rain and all, Dad will probably sleep late this morning."
"That sounds like a plan," Ellen began, "well, I have to get back to work, I just wanted to check in with you."
"Thanks, Ellen," Steve began, "I'm sure glad you did. You made me feel very special. Oh, by the way, I'll be away visiting my mother and father-in-law this weekend. I told my mother-in-law about you and she was genuinely happy, because she was genuinely concerned that I was drowning in self-pity. She always told me that I should get on with my life and stop dwelling on the past and past hurts and pain. So, I'm gonna taker her up on that."
"Good for you, Steve." Ellen began encouragingly, "and good for you Mother-in-law. That's some great advice that she gave you, and it show that she truly loves and cares for you."
"Ellen, were you ever able to track the person who stole your story?" Steve asked.
"Unfortunately, no," Ellen began, frustrated that she was unable to make heads or tails on who would do such a thing. "We're still looking into it. Has Captain Hernandez called regarding our next undercover assignment with the celebrities?"
"No, we're still waiting," Steve replied. "We thought we had a lead of sorts, but it turned out to be a false alarm."
"Oh, that's too bad," Ellen began. "Well, I hope you guys can catch the bad guys. Have a good day and a safe trip to your mother-in-law's."
"Thanks, I'll see you soon." Steve replied.
Steve, against his better judgement, decided to profess his love to Ms. Ellen Sharp.
"Ellen, Steve began nervously, "I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. I had feelings for you the very first day I laid eyes on you. I guess I was just afraid of getting hurt again. I was still grieving over the loss of my wife, Lena. Please forgive me for being such a jerk."
"Only if you forgive me for being such a royal pain in your neck." Ellen replied. "I'm really sorry about that stupid story. I shouldn't have been so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion."
"That's okay, Ellen," Steve began brightly, "live and learn."
With that, Steve and Ellen disconnected their call. Ellen went back to work, while Steve started to pack a duffel bag full of clothes for his visit to Eunice and Pierre's home in Pismo Beach.
Tuesday Night At BBQ BobsSteve waited anxiously for Ellen to arrive for their dinner date at BBQ Bobs. He was more anxious, because he had Katie with him at the restaurant. Steve had decided to make this a special moment, as he had wanted to introduce Ellen to his precious little girl.
Jesse watched Steve intently and with great amusement. Jesse knew that Steve was really very nervous about this dinner date, as Steve did a lot of pacing back and forth. Jesse remembered the encounter he had with Steve just an hour earlier.
"Hey, Steve," Jesse began, "how long will it be before the new batch of BBQ sauce will be finished?"
"Jess, you don't have to rush me!" Steve shot back harshly. He would have continued, but a stunned Dr. Jesse Travis cut in on him.
"Jeez, Steve, you don't have to take my head off!" A stunned Jesse replied. "I was just asking, because many of the customers were asking about the sauce. What has got you in a tizzy tonight?"
"Jeez, Jess, I'm so sorry." Steve replied. "It's just that I'm so nervous about Ellen meeting Katie. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Yeah, Steve, of course," Jesse began smiling at the nervous Lieutenant Detective. "Steve, Katie is a wonderful little girl, and I just know that Ellen will just fall in love with her. You have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"I wish I had your confidence, Jess," a still nervous Steve began, "I just hope the evening goes well without a hitch."
"Steve," Jesse began in an attempt to encourage his best friend and business partner. "You worry entirely too much. The evening will go well."
Just then, Dr. Mark Sloan came through the front entrance of BBQ Bob's.
"Hey, Jess," Mark began, shaking Jesse from his reverie, "is my rib order ready?"
"Oh, oh, yes, Mark," Jesse began, stammering over his words, "your is right here. You have perfect timing; Paul just finished your order about a few minutes ago. It's piping hot."
"Thanks, Jess," Mark began happily, "I just can't wait to get home so that I can dig into my rib meal and watch my African Queen DVD. Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn are great."
"Who?" Jesse asked. "I never heard of that movie."
"Just give my meal, Sonny," Mark began pretending to be an old man. "You young whippersnappers don't know a good movie if it slapped you upside your head."
"Jeez, gramps," Jesse began laughing at his mentor's antics. "I'm sorry that I'm not up on these things." Both Mark and Jesse shared a much-needed laugh together.
"Jess, what were you so deep in thought about?" Mark asked with great concern. "You nearly jumped out of your skin when I called your name."
"It was nothing," Jesse began, not wanting Mark to worry needlessly about Steve. "I was just daydreaming," Jesse lied. With that Jesse bagged Mark's take out rib dinner and they bid each other farewell.
As Mark was making his way towards the exit doors of BBQ Bob's, he noticed Steve and Katie sitting at a table in the corner of the restaurant. He immediately walked to their table to greet them.
"Hi, Son. Hi, Katie," Mark began with a look of puzzlement, "I didn't realize you two were here. I wonder why Jess didn't mention that you were here."
"Did Jess tell you about our conversation earlier today?" Steve asked his dad.
"No," Mark began with great concern, "what happened?"
"He asked me when the BBQ sauce would be done, and I just hauled off and snapped at him." Steve replied, sad that he jumped all over his best friend for nothing.
"So that's why Jess was in such deep thought when I came in a few minutes ago." Mark replied. "When I asked him what he was thinking about, he told me he was just daydreaming. He lied to me to protect you."
"Dad," Steve began smiling sheepishly, "Jess just didn't want you to worry about me. It seems that everyone feels they have to watch out for me." This last comment was made with Steve smiling at his father with pride.
"Does that bother you, Son?" Mark asked his grown up 'Baby Boy'.
"Does what bother me, Dad?" Steve asked with confusion on his handsome features.
"The fact that we seem to be watching out for you?" Mark asked trying to get a handle on his son's mental state.
"You know," Steve began, smiling at his father with pride in his eyes, "Dad, I'd have to admit it bothered me at first. But when I spoke with Eunice, she explained that you, Dr. Prescott and Captain Hernandez were truly concerned about me and didn't want me to be hurt."
"Son," Mark began as he sadly remembered Steve's mental state, "Eunice is right. We didn't want you to end up like your friend, Detective Reggie Ackroyd. I hope you understand that, Son.
"I do now," Steve began, relieved that his dad and their friends didn't give up on him. "You know, hindsight is always 20/20 vision, ALWAYS."
"Yes, Son, it does seem that way, doesn't it?" A relieved Mark asked his son. "But, we can always learn from our mistakes."
"Yeah, Dad," Steve replied smiling affectionately at his dad and his best friend.
"Steve, are you waiting for someone?" Mark asked hopeful that Steve was waiting for some young lady to join him and Katie for a nice meal.
"Yeah, Dad," Steve began looking at his watch. "I'm waiting for Ellen to join us for dinner tonight. She seems to be running a little late, though." As Steve spoke, Mark saw a look of nervousness in Steve's eyes.
"Steve, Son," Mark began, trying so hard not to laugh, as Steve reminded him of a teenager on his first date. "There's no need to worry, Ellen probably got stuck trying to meet a story deadline."
"Dad, I'm not worried or nervous." Steve replied, trying to sound super confident.
"Son," Mark began, "I never mentioned anything about you being nervous. What gives, Son? And I want the whole truth."
"Dad," Steve began, his voice soft and childlike, "I thought that I would use me and Ellen's date to introduce her to Katie. Ellen doesn't even know that I decided to bring my daughter to our first date. A stupid stunt, huh?"
"Son," Mark began happily, "I think it's a grand idea, don't you?"
"I don't know, Dad." Steve replied. He would have continued, but he was cut off my Mark.
"I guess you're going to find out in just a few short minutes." Mark replied smiling, as he noticed Ellen Sharp coming through the front entrance of BBQ Bob's.
"Steve," Mark began as he tapped Steve lightly on his right shoulder. "Ellen's here. I'll see you two at home. I have a date with Bogie and Hepburn." With that, Mark slipped away from the table and bid Steve and Katie farewell. Mark greeted Ellen and then left.
"Hi, Steve," Ellen began smiling at Steve causing him to blush. "And who might this be?"
"Er, um, Ellen," Steve began stammering over his words, "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Katherine Lena Sloan. We call her Katie for short."
"Hi, Katie," Ellen began happily, "My name is Miss Ellen Sharp. I'm pleased to meet you."
"Sloan," Ellen began ribbing the nervous Lieutenant, "why didn't you tell me you had such a precious little girl?"
"I did, well, I didn't...oh, I don't know," Steve began once again stammering over his words. "I guess you got the wrong information, and I didn't correct you. Sorry."
"I jumped to the wrong conclusion," Ellen began smiling ever so sweetly at Steve, "I guess it was the reporter in me."
"No, Ellen," Steve began in an apologetic tone, "I was just being, you know, the j-word."
"Daddy," Katie finally spoke up, smiling at her dad, "what's the j-wowd?"
"Sweetie," Steve began smiling at his daughter, "you don't need to know just now."
"When do I get to know?" Katie asked, eyes twinkling.
"Not until you turn 35," Steve replied. "Are we ready to order our dinner?"
"Yes," Ellen replied truly enjoying the banter between this father and daughter duo. "Are you ready to order, Katie?"
"Yes, Miss Ellen," Katie replied, truly winning over Ellen's heart. "I want ice cweam, Daddy."
"Oh, no, my Princess," Steve began smiling affectionately at his precious daughter, "no ice cream until you get a good meal." With that Steve ordered a rib combo dinner for him and Ellen. Steve ordered a kid's boneless rib meal for Katie.
A few hours later, Steve, Ellen and Katie were still at BBQ Bob's enjoying each other's company. As Steve took a look at his watch, he gasped. He couldn't believe he kept his little daughter out way past her bedtime, to the tune of two hours. Steve informed Ellen that he had to get home and put Katie to bed, as he noticed that she had dosed off in the high chair.
As they were departing and preparing to go their separate ways, Steve had an idea. He only hoped that Ellen would take him up on his offer.
"Ellen," Steve began nervously, "would you like to accompany me to my expensive beach house?" The horrified look on Ellen's face told Steve that his attempt at a joke didn't go over too well with Ellen, who chastised him a bit.
"Steve," Ellen began with a hint of anger in her voice, "that wasn't very funny. I realize that I was way off base, but did you have to remind me of it?"
"Ellen," a chastised Steve began, "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Will you ever forgive me? Will you come home with me?"
"I don't know," Ellen replied, fully intending not to go home with Steve. But when she made the mistake of looking at Steve, she was unable to turn him down. He wore the best 'puppy dog' look he could muster up.
"You win, Sloan," Ellen began in mock disgust, "how do you do it, Sloan?"
"Do what, my Sweet?" Steve asked, fully knowing what Ellen was referring to.
"That look of yours," Ellen began, "I bet that's how you get all the girls."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Steve replied, feigning innocence.
"The female detectives told me how you get them to do favors for you." Ellen replied.
"Where do you get your information from?" Steve asked in mock disgust. "Boy, do you have it all wrong."
"Detective Patsy Dade-Ross is where I got that information from." Ellen replied. "She said you used the same look on her, as you just used on me."
"Okay, Ellen, you got me...this time," Steve began smiling flirtatiously at Ellen. "I only used that look when I needed some information on a case that I was working on at the time. It got results every time."
At The Beach House
As Steve and Ellen strolled into the beach house with a sleeping Katie Sloan, Mark greeted them cheerfully.
"Hi, guys," Mark began happy to see that Steve and Ellen seemed to have ironed out their many differences. "How was your dinner date."
"It was great!" Ellen exclaimed happily. "I really enjoyed the atmosphere at BBQ Bob's, my co-workers didn't tell me the half of it. I especially enjoyed the company." Ellen replied looking at Steve and his sleeping daughter.
Mark was clearly pleased that Ellen truly had a good time with his son and his granddaughter. Mark always knew that Steve had feelings for Ellen when they first met, but his son tried to hide his feelings. Mark remembered the night that he told Steve about one of his co-workers flirting with Ellen. Mark also told Steve that Ellen seemed to be enjoying the attention that Detective Barton Wexler was paying her, among the other you men at the restaurant.
Could Steve Be Jealous?
As Mark entered the beach house after his lunch with Ellen Sharp, he was surprised to see that Steve was home already. Steve came up to Mark's unit, his hair was still wet from his shower. Mark was the first to speak.
"Hi, Son," Mark began smiling affectionately at his son, "you're home early, what gives?"
"I decided to work a half day today, if that's all right with you, sir." Steve replied ribbing his father in a good-natured way. "Seriously, I needed a few hours off, because I had a late night. I thought that I'd sleep for a few hours."
"But not until you raid the refrigerator, right, Son?" Mark asked knowing the answer.
"How was your lunch with Ms. Sharp?" Steve asked with great contempt for the young woman reporter.
"Boy, Steve," Mark began incredulously, "Ellen had every guy in the restaurant in a tizzy, especially that Detective Wexler. And he wasn't the only one, either. It was just amazing."
"Detective Barton Wexler?" Steve asked in disbelief. The guy wasn't that good-looking. He was on the short and stocky side. But for some unknown reason, women seemed to be attracted to the guy.
When Steve kept silent, Mark decided to go in for the kill, just to find out how Steve really felt for Ms. Sharp.
"Then there was this guy," Mark began, "he went by the name of Matt Houston. He was tall and built something like you, Son. He told us, well, Ellen mostly, that he was a private investigator. Do you know him?" Mark knew that Steve knew the fellow, but he had to ask.
"Yeah, I know the guy," Steve answered with disgust in his voice. "He seems to think that he's some kind of ladies' man. He thinks he's God's gift to every woman on the face of the earth."
Mark took notice of the change in Steve's demeanor after the mention of Ellen's name, especially when he mentioned the fact that the men took notice of the beautiful young reporter. The look that Mark saw on the face of his handsome son was the look of jealousy.
"Why, Son, I could swear that you were jealous," Mark began in total amusement. He would have continued, but a distressed Steve cut him off.
"Dad, that is totally off-base," Steve began incredulously, "I am NOT jealous over Ms. Sharp. She doesn't seem to even know or care that I'm alive." The last comment was spoken under Steve's breath. It was then that Mark realized that Steve had deep feelings for Ellen, but for some reason or another, Steve was trying to hide them from the world, especially from Ms. Ellen Sharp.
As Mark was thinking on these things, he also remembered a conversation Steve had with Captain Robert Hernandez that nearly caused Mark's heart to break. The tone in Steve's voice was of such deep sadness, that Mark didn't think Steve would ever be happy again.
"Captain Hernandez, what's wrong with me?" A distraught Lt. Steve Sloan asked his superior officer.
"What makes you think that there's something wrong with you, Sloan?" A stunned Captain Hernandez asked his Lieutenant.
"It seems that I can't get a normal woman to fall in love with me." Steve replied with deep sadness. "It seems that I always end up with criminals or a psycho that would like nothing more than hurting me." With that comment, Steve had to swallow quite a few times to gain control of his emotions.
"Son," Captain Hernandez began soothingly, "there's a normal woman out there for you. You'll just have to wait until God brings her your way. In the mean time, just enjoy your time with your daughter and your father."
One of the detectives, overhearing Lt. Sloan's question to Captain Hernandez, just had to put in his two-cents worth.
"Lieutenant," Officer Barton Wexler began, "you're just too nice. Women tend to like a ruthless guy and NOT a 'goody two-shoes' like you."
"I am NOT a 'goody two-shoes', as you put it, Wexler." Steve replied angrily. He would have gone on, but Officer Wexler interrupted him.
"Sloan," Officer Wexler began with a hint of jealousy towards Steve, "yeah, you may have the looks, the muscular build, blond hair and tanned complexion, but I have the girls." With that Officer Wexler left to go to the men's room before his lunch break started.
Just then, one of Officer Wexler's women friends, a Ms. Miriam Tanner, came to the precinct with a picnic basket full of food for him. As she waited, she noticed a tall and a very handsome young man looking out the window, gazing at nothing in particular. She checked to see if Officer Wexler was around. Seeing that the coast was clear so far, she ventured towards the young man at the window.
"Hi there, handsome," Ms. Tanner began, smiling flirtatiously at Steve. "What seems to have taken hold of your attention out there. Surely not those abandoned warehouses. They're eyesores to most of us."
"Just staring," Steve sighed without even looking at the pretty woman.
"You don't sound too happy," Ms. Tanner began. As she extended her hand toward Steve she continued, formerly introducing herself to Steve. "Hi, my name is Ms. Miriam Tanner, and you are?"
As Steve turned to face the pretty woman who seemed to be a few years older than him, looked into deep pools of the most incredible blue eyes he'd ever seen.
"My name is Lt. Steve Loan," Steve began smiling ever so slightly, "is there anything I can help you with?" Just then, an angry Officer Wexler came back into the office and gave Steve an angry glare as he spoke to him.
"NO YOU MOST CERTAINLY CAN NOT, JUNIOR!," Officer Wexler shouted at startled Lieutenant. "She doesn't want a young guy like you, she needs someone like me, a real man. Look, Lieutenant, why don't you go play outside? Or, better yet, why don't go get your daddy so that he can help you solve that new case the Captain Hernandez gave you?"
Steve was so angry, that he felt that the best thing for him to do was to vacate the premises before he knocked the older officer on his fat butt.
Mark, who was at the precinct to pick up a report from the county coroner's office, was so angry at how the older officer had treated his son. Mark surmised that the older officer was still sore over the fact that Steve had beaten him for the position of police sergeant. And, to add insult to injury, Steve went on to being a lieutenant.
At that moment, Mark came out from the coroner's office and greeted his son, Officer Barton Wexler and Ms. Miriam Tanner.
"Hi, everyone," Mark began glaring angrily at the older officer, causing him to flinch under the scrutiny of Dr. Mark Sloan. "How's everyone's day going thus far."
"It was going great," Steve began slightly hurt, as he counted Officer Wexler a friend, "until I got yelled at like a little child."
As Officer Wexler heard the hurt in Steve's voice, he quickly apologized as he realized that Steve was a good kid, a straight arrow who would always come through in the clutch.
"Hey, Sloan," a chastised Officer Wexler began, "I'm sorry for the way I treated you a few minutes ago. I had a bad day and I guess I needed to vent, and you just got caught in the crossfire. Sorry, Junior."
"Hey," Steve began. He would have continued, but Officer Wexler cut him off.
"I didn't promise NOT to call you Junior, Junior." Officer Wexler replied. "I'm nearly 20 years older than you, so Junior it is...at least until I retire."
"Are we ready to, Bart?" Ms. Tanner asked.
"Yeppers, Sweetie." Officer Wexler replied. And with that, Officer Wexler and Ms, Tanner left for their picnic lunch.
"Hey Dad," Steve began, "I didn't know you were coming to the precinct. Is everything all right?"
"Yes, Son, everything is fine," Mark began smiling proudly at his son. "Son, you really handled yourself well. I'm really proud of you. Would you like to go out to lunch?"
"Yeah, but only if you're doing the buying." Steve replied.
"I'll buy, Son," Mark began shaking his head at his son. "Oh, Steve, what were you and Captain Hernandez talking about a few minutes before your run in with Officer Wexler?"
Oh, that, that was nothing," Steve lied, "let's go to lunch."
"Fine, Son," Mark began, "when you feel the need to talk, please confide in me." The pleading in Mark's voice touched Steve in a way he couldn't imagine. His heart broke as his father practically begged him to talk to him.
"Dad," Steve began, genuinely touched be his father's love, "whenever I feel the need to talk, I'll come to you. I love you, Dad."
"I love you, too, Son." Mark replied, knowing that Steve fully planned to come to him if the need arose. "C'mon, Son, I don't have much time to hang out. Let's get this show on the road." With that, Mark and Steve left the precinct to enjoy a father and son lunch Mariachi's Restaurant.
Mark was shaken from his reverie when Ellen came into the living room,
"Mark," Ellen began smiling at the elder Sloan man, "what were you thinking about? You seemed so far away."
"Just thinking about the past, nothing worth mentioning." Mark replied smiling at Ellen. "Where's Steve?"
"He's putting Katie to bed in your guest bedroom." Ellen replied.
"Sounds good to me," Mark began, "I love having my granddaughter upstairs with me."
"So, Ellen," Mark began, "what are you and Steve planning to do tonight?"
"He wants us to talk," Ellen began smiling.
"That's nice," Mark began, "I'm really glad to see that you and Steve have ironed out your differences."
"Me too, Mark," Ellen began, "it was hard not being able to talk civil to the man you loved." Ellen was shocked over her admission of her feelings of love towards Steve.
"Ellen," Mark began smiling at the young reporter, "there's no need to be embarrassed. I knew you had some kind of feelings for my son the first day the two of met. Steve also had feelings for you."
"Mark, how did you know that we had feelings for one another, when we ourselves didn't know?" Ellen asked.
"Call it father's intuition, or something like that," Mark began, "you were trying so hard to hide your feelings from each other. It was just so funny."
A Few Months Later
Steve and Ellen's romance was hot and furious. They couldn't bear to be away from one another. They spent as much time together as they possibly could manage. Steve and Katie would eat dinner at Ellen's home once or twice a week, with Ellen coming out to the beach house on the other days of the week.
As Steve lay awake on his bed, he thought about asking Ellen to marry him, because he just loved her so much.
One night, Steve was home alone, as Mark and Katie went out of town to visit Carol. He was so very lonely as he missed his dad and Katie. As Steve sat in his dad's living room watching TV, the doorbell rang. Steve ran to answer the door. To his happy surprise, Ellen was at the door. Steve invited her in.
"I stopped by the Chinese restaurant and picked up dinner for you and me," Ellen began smiling at Steve, "I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind, Ellen," Steve began, "it's right on time."
"Steve," Ellen began, noticing tools sprawled all over Mark's pristine living room. "Whatever are you doing?"
"This," Steve began gesturing to his makeshift work area, "well, I, um, well...I kinda broke Dad's projector. If I don't fix it before he gets back in town, I'm toast for sure."
"Why don't you just get him a new projector?" Elle asked curiously. "Why fix this one? It looks like it has seen better days."
"You don't know my Dad too well, do you?" Steve asked smiling at Ellen. "Dad likes to hold on to things. I think he's the that pack rats come for lessons in clutter." They both shared a laugh at Steve's comment. Steve took a break from playing 'Mr. Fixit' guy and partook of the meal that Ellen brought to the beach house.
As they were enjoying a nice cup of coffee and each other's company on the deck, the home phone rang. Steve had the cordless phone on the deck with him; he clicked the talk button on the receiver.
"Lt. Sloan here." Steve responded into the receiver.
"Hi, Son," Mark began cheerfully, "how's everything going?"
"Fine." Steve replied, but then decided to come clean with his father. "Dad, I have some bad news..." Steve began, but was interrupted by an anxious Dr. Mark Sloan.
"What happened now?" Mark asked, nervously wondering if Steve had been injured in the line of duty and was on medical leave from the precinct. "Okay, how bad is your injury and how long will you be on medical leave, Son?"
"No, no, Dad, it's nothing like that," Steve began, "I kinda broke your projector. I tried to repair it, I think it's destroyed. I'm so sorry, Dad."
"Steve," Mark began laughing, "that's the bad news? You nearly scared me half to death. Here, I'm thinking that you were going to tell me that you were injured in the line of duty and were on placed on medical leave. And you're talking about that old projector." Mark was laughing partly because of Steve's concern about the old projector and partly due to relief that his son wasn't hurt.
"But, Dad," Steve began, "I know how sentimental you are about that old projector. It has lots of memories tied to it, especially memories of Mom."
"Son," Mark began affectionately, "that old projector has lots of memories, and I'll probably not throw it out. Besides, Jesse said his cousin Chico owns a camera place and said that he can convert all of my film to video. So, no sweat."
"I'm glad to hear that, Dad," Steve began with a sigh of relief. "By the way, Dad, Ellen is here, would you like to say hello to her?"
"No, Carol is getting ready to treat Katie and me to a nice Chinese dinner." Mark replied. "It's an all you can eat buffet restaurant. Just tell Ellen hello for Katie and me. She hasn't met Carol yet. They'll meet soon enough."
"Hey, that's funny," Steve began, "me and Ellen just had Chinese food for dinner. That all you can eat dinner sounds like a winner to me."
"It would," Mark began laughing at his son's mock groan. "I declare, you and Jesse have got the bottomless stomachs. Where the food goes, is anyone's guess. You guys don't seem to gain an ounce."
"That's because we're constantly moving, burning up all those calories," Steve began with a mock smug tone. "You should try it sometime, Dad."
"Ha, ha, ha, smart Alec," Mark began in a tone of mock disgust. "I'll just keep on watching what I eat and running around the hospital like a chicken with my head cut off." They continued ribbing each other for a few more minutes. Steve spoke to Carol and Katie and wished them both a nice night out. Steve was back on the line with his dad and wished him a good night out on the town with his two ladies. They disconnected their call.
After Steve hung up the phone, he and Ellen continued with their nice evening of stimulating conversation. Steve then drove Ellen home.
Steve's Plans For Ellen
The next day found Steve at Allan Bernstein Jewelers. Many of Steve's co-workers swore to the quality of Mr. Bernstein's shop. Many of them had purchased jewelry for their wives, girlfriends and their mothers. When Steve walked in to Mr. Bernstein's shop, he couldn't believe the jewels that were on display. They were breathtaking. He was particularly drawn to a breathtaking ring. Mr. Bernstein, who was finishing up with a customer, walked up to Steve and greeted him pleasantly.
"G'day, sir," Mr. Bernstein began with an Australian accent, "how might I be of service to ya, Lad?"
"Hi, sir," Steve began smiling at the elderly gentleman, "that accent, where are you from? Judging from your last name, I would have pegged you as a Jewish gentleman."
"Ah, yes, Lad," the kind old gentleman began, "I was born in Melbourne, Australia, the son of Jewish immigrants. My parents moved from Russia to Australia after my older brother was born." Just then, the elderly jewel took notice of Steve.
"Say, Lad," Mr. Bernstein continued, "ya looks sort of familia to me, do I know ya from somewheres?"
"I don't know, sir," Steve smiled at the kindly gentleman, "I'm a lieutenant with the LAPD, if that helps out."
"Ah, yes," Mr. Bernstein began, recognition finally setting in, "you're the young fella that nailed that scum who tried to rob me a while back. Ya saved me neck, boy. I neva got the chance to thank ya for that. Well, thank ya."
"I saved your neck?" Steve asked with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Oh, pardon my language, boy," Mr. Bernstein began laughing slightly, "Ya kept that scum from killing me is all."
"Really?" Steve asked wondering how anyone could hurt a kindly old gentleman like Mr. Bernstein. "Why would anyone want to hurt you?"
"Well, Lad, it goes like this," Mr. Bernstein began his tale, "I testified against that scum's brother. His brotha was brought up on money laundering charges at the first. But, lata after all the testimony was in, there was more charges added. So, I guess that lit'l scum wanted to get revenge on me."
"I don't seem to get the revenge angle," Steve began, "why would he want to go after you?"
"Well, Laddie," Mr. Bernstein began with sadness, "sadly enough, his brother was killed in a prison riot. So, he was after me."
"Well," Steve began, "happily, he will be behind bars for the rest of his life."
"Really, how did ya manage that one, kid?" Mr. Bernstein asked curiously.
"Well, sir," Steve began by way of explaining the three-strike rule. "The guy, Ralphie Tyndale, was a career criminal. He had a rap sheet that was longer than the Nile River. When he tried to rob you, he was on probation. Before that, he was in prison twice, once for aggravated assault and for armed robbery. The three strike rule says that once you're convicted three times, you get to spend the rest of your life in one of our establishments."
"Wow, that's some kinda new rule," Mr. Bernstein began, "enough! Ya didn't come in here to hear the babblings of an eccentric old man, I take it that ya's looking for a ring for a special kind of gal." With that, Mr. Bernstein followed Steve's eyes and was pleased that the detective's eyes fell upon one of his creations.
"That's a nice ring, isn't it Laddie?" Mr. Bernstein commented on his beautiful creation. "That one will send shivas down the Lass' spine."
"It's really a beautiful ring and I'm sure that my lady will absolutely love it," Steve began, "but it's too expensive."
"What, oh, no, Laddie," Mr. Bernstein began willing to cut the young Lieutenant a deal. "I'll let ya have it for a decent price, as a way of thanking ya for saving me business and me neck."
"Gee, thanks, Mr. Bernstein," Steve replied happily. "I really don't feel comfortable taking advantage of you like that. I was just doing the job that I was hired to do."
"Nonsense, Lad," Mr. Bernstein began waving Steve's concern off, "I'm more than happy to do it. Besides, I created this ring and I can price it how I want to." Mr. Bernstein handed Steve some forms to fill out for his jewelry purchase.
"Thanks so kindly, sir," Steve replied, as he filled out the purchase forms.
Ya very welcome, Lad, um, Lt. Sloan," Mr. Bernstein began, embarrassed that he referred to the police lieutenant as a lad. "I'm glad ya chose to come in heres for ya ring. Have g'day, sir."
"You have a great day, too, sir." Steve replied, as he happily left, knowing that later that afternoon he would have an exquisite engagement ring to present to Ellen, the love of his life.
Steve got into his police car and headed back to the station. When he arrived, Officer Jim Weller and Sgt. Jerry Brooks greeted him.
"Hey, Sloan," Officer Weller began, "it's a real slow morning and there's nothing to do but paperwork. How's everything going for you so far?"
"It couldn't be better," Steve replied with a big grin on his face.
"Uh oh," Jerry began, knowing that the younger man had a tale to tell. "You're up to something, aren't you, Junior?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Steve replied taunting his friend Jerry.
"Aw, c'mon, Sloan, have a heart!" Jerry replied. "You're killing me here."
"Tough noogies, Jerry!" Steve replied, needling his friend.
As the fellas finished their playful banter, they decided to get back to work on their backlog of paperwork.
As Steve sat behind his desk, his thoughts were taken back to a very dark period of his life. He was taken back to the time of the hit and run car accident that left him injured and his pregnant wife, Lena, fighting for her life.
A Period Of Sadness
It was a crisp November morning in Venice, California. Lena was up before the roosters, being restless. Dr. Stanley Ruspin had confined her to bed rest. Dr. Ruspin told Steve that the only trip she was allowed to take was around their condo. How Lena so wanted to go to the Venice Mall to browse at the many shops. She felt like a prisoner and didn't fail to tell Steve day in and day out of her dilemma.
Steve woke up about two hours later. He looked out on the balcony and noticed that Lena was staring at the beautiful sunrise. He then looked at his watch and noticed that it was about 7:30am in the morning. He got out of bed and out his robe on and went to greet his beautiful wife.
"Hi, Babe," Steve began cheerfully, "were you out here long?"
"I was up since about 5:30am," Lena began tersely, "but I didn't really sleep all that well."
"Babe," Steve began, in a hurt tone, "I'm sorry that you didn't sleep well."
As Lena looked into Steve's beautiful blue eyes, she couldn't help but see the look of hurt and anguish in his eyes. She took his hand into hers and apologized to Steve.
"Steve, Honey," Lena began, "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I do realize that you're just following doctor's orders. I'm so bored. I'm so tired of being cooped up in this apartment."
"Believe me, Babe," Steve began, "I do know how you feel."
"You don't know how it feels!" Lena all but shouted. "How can you say that?"
"Well, Lena, I do know how you feel," Steve began cautiously. "You see, every time I got injured badly, I was placed on medical leave, sometimes for months at a time. One time I was out of work for three months due to getting shot by the Trainor brothers. I tell you, by the time two weeks were up, I was nearly climbing the walls. Not to mention, I was driving Dad to want to shoot me himself."
"Oh, Mark told me about that one," Lena replied laughing slightly. "If I were in Mark's shoes, I probably would have shot you in your foot."
"You wouldn't dare," Steve replied in a mock anger tone.
"I would dare!" Lena replied laughing, as Steve grabbed her and started tickling her mercilessly. Lena continued her tone of voice taking on a more serious tone. "Steve, I'm still bored. Let's go to the Venice Mall today, just for a short period of time."
"Lena, you heard what Dr. Ruspin said, no malls and no walking.
Steve was trying to be stern, but he couldn't stand to see Lena pouting and being angry with him. One day, Lena was so angry with Steve that he had to sleep on the couch for the night. Steve didn't want to experience that ever again, as he loved his wife's soft touch. Steve finally gave in, against his better judgement.
"Oh, all right," Steve sighed as he threw up his hands in total surrender, "we'll go to the Venice Mall at 10am this morning. But, first, I'll make us a nice breakfast."
"Oh, no, Steve, Honey," Lena began with genuine laughter, "I'm not in the mood for burnt eggs, toast and bacon. I'll do the honour of making breakfast. Why don't you brew the coffee? You make the best coffee."
"Okay, if you say so," Steve replied leveling his wife with a playful glare, which caused Lena to laugh.
Breakfast consumed, Steve deposited the morning dishes into the dishwasher, as Lena got ready for their outing at the mall.
The Venice Mall Experience
As Steve and Lena arrived at the Venice Mall, they were overwhelmed by the many beautiful shops and restaurants.
"Babe," Steve began, "let me know if you get tired. We'll leave then, okay, Sweetie?"
"Sure, Steve," Lena began thoroughly enjoying all of the amazing sights that the mall afforded them. "This is a very beautiful mall, isn't it Honey?"
"If you've seen one mall, you've seen them all," replied Steve, ducking under Lena's hand. "Hey, what was that for?"
"That was for being such a smart Alec, Steve," replied Lena. "Let's get shopping, Junior."
2pm At The Mall
It was almost 2pm and Steve was the one who pooped out at the mall. Lena, noticing that Steve seemed quite tired, decided to cut their time at the mall short.
"Steve, Honey," Lena began, "are you ready to leave?"
"Only if you are, Babe," replied Steve in exhaustion.
"We've been here for nearly four hours," Lena began happily, "I think we've got more than enough baby things. I'd say we're ready to leave, how about you, Darling?"
"Yeah, I gotta admit, that I'm dog-tired," replied Steve sleepily.
"Steve, do you want me to drive, since you seem tired?" Lena asked with great concern.
"I'm fine, Lena," Steve began, "I can handle the drive home. It's only about ten minutes away."
"Okay, Captain," Lena began cheerfully, "you've got the reins, I'll just sit back and look pretty for you."
Steve and Lena got into their white Ford pick-up truck. Steve proceeded to back out of the parking space he was in. As the approached the mall exit, Steve carefully made a left-hand turn at the green light. As he made his turn, a vehicle ran the red light and crashed heavily into the passenger side of the white pick-up truck, a pregnant Lena taking the full brunt of the hit.
Without thinking, Steve jumped out of his disabled vehicle and tried unsuccessfully to free Lena from the vehicle. A crowd started gathering around the scene of the accident, causing a traffic tie up. Steve looked up and noticed someone with a cell phone. He asked the gentle to call 911 and informed them that they needed assistance ASAP. Steve then showed the gentleman his id and badge, which informed him that Steve, was a member of the LAPD.
The paramedics arrived on the scene not long after, to check the Lena's vital signs. The senior paramedic went to inform the distressed lieutenant that Lena was unconscious.
"My wife...she's... she's nearly seven months pregnant," a thoroughly distressed Steve replied. "She needs to be a hospital..." Steve would have continued, but Clyde Schoenfeld, the senior paramedic gently interrupted the young detective.
"Look, Lieutenant," Mr. Schoenfeld began soothingly, "we're doing the best we can, given the seriousness of the situation. We have Rampart Hospital on the line and they're helping us to get your wife stable. We can take her to Rampart Hospital or whatever hospital you desire, providing that it isn't too far from this location. We want to get her to a hospital as soon as possible."
"My father is a doctor at Community General Hospital," a distressed Steve began, "can you transport my wife there?"
"Yes, that can be arranged," Mr. Schoenfeld began, "is Dr. Mark Sloan your father?"
"Yeah, that's my Dad," Steve began sadly. Steve immediately thought to himself, "Boy, is Dad gonna kill me for taking Lena to the mall against doctor's orders."
Steve was shaken from his reverie as the other paramedic, Bill Schaeffer, wanted to check him out for a precaution.
"Son," Bill began, "I need to check you out, just as precaution, just to be sure that you don't have any internal injuries."
"I'm fine," an impatient Steve replied. "Just take care of my wife, she's the one that needs help the most."
Just as Steve made his comment, the world began to swim before him. The last thing he remembers is the 'the boy met the ground'."
A few hours later, both Steve and Lena were in the ER of Community General Hospital. An anxious Dr. Mark Sloan and Dr. Amanda Bentley along with Lena's parents, Pierre and Eunice Fournay were awaiting Dr. Jesse Travis's return to the surgical waiting area.
An exhausted Dr. Travis arrived in the surgical waiting area. As the group noticed Dr. Travis' return, they all, with one accord and one voice, asked a myriad of questions.
"Please," an exhausted Dr. Travis began, "one at a time."
"Jess," a distressed Mark began, "how are Steve and Lena? How's the baby?"
"Okay, here's the thing," a weary Jesse began, "Steve has suffered a mild concussion and he should be fine after a few days' rest. But, Lena, on the other side is still unconscious. It seems as if she took the brunt of the accident. According to the police report, the driver of the other vehicle is no where to be found. So, basically were looking at a hit and run accident,"
"Can I see my Baby Girl?" Pierre asked with tears in his eyes.
"Why, yes," Jesse began, "but, I need to forewarn you, Lena is hooked up to a myriad of machines and monitoring devices."
"Thank you, Dr. Travis," a tearful Eunice Fournay replied gratefully.
"Mark," Jesse began, "if you want to see Steve, you can follow me. I'll just drop the Fournays off at Lena's room, and then I'll take you to see Steve."
"Thanks, Jess," replied a grateful Mark. With that, Dr. Jesse Travis led Mark, Pierre and Eunice to their destination.
Steve remembered the pain of losing his wife and the pain of being left with a daughter to raise. He didn't think he could ever be happy again, but then he met Ellen. He hadn't been this happy in a very long time. Just then, Steve was shaken from his thoughts as his dad came to the precinct with a bag from BBQ Bob's.
"Hey, Dad," Steve began happily, "you're bringing me lunch at the station? What's the catch?"
"Do I need a reason to bring lunch to my 'Baby Boy?" Mark asked. He would have continued, but Steve interrupted him.
"Dad, please don't call me that in public," Steve pleaded with Mark. "It's bad enough that they think I'm a 'Daddy's Boy', and if they heard you call me that, I'd never hear the end of it." Steve and Mark enjoyed a lunch of ribs and coleslaw. Mark went back to the hospital, while Steve went back to work on his files.
Later That Evening
Steve and Ellen enjoyed a moonlit dessert on the deck of the beach house. Mark and Katie turned in for the night, leaving the lovebirds alone. Steve gave Ellen a generous piece of cake with chocolate frosting. Ellen took a spoonful of the sinfully delicious chocolate cake and she bit into something hard. She immediately checked the contents of the cake. What she found made her gasp for joy. Upon further investigation, she found the most beautifully elegant ring she'd ever seen. She looked up at Steve with tears of joy in her eyes.
"Steve, this is the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen," Ellen replied her voice full of emotion. "I just love it."
Steve then got out of his chair and took the ring out of Ellen's hand and got on one knee to propose to her.
"Ellen," Steve began full of emotion, "You have made this past year a happy experience for me. I love you so very much. Ms. Ellen Sharp, will you please do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
"Oh, God, yes! Yes! I will, Steve," Ellen began tearfully, "I love you so very much, Lt. Sloan." With that, Steve slipped the ring on Ellen's ring finger. They shared a tender kiss that was a sign of things to come.
A/N – Another installment is complete. Thank you so very much for all of the kind reviews, they're very much appreciated. I so hope that this story is coming together for you all nicely. I'm having a great time putting this story together and I hope you're having fun reading it.