Chapter 4

Going to bed early meant getting up early for them.
Steve suggested to drive to their favorite breakfast place and after that to the mall.
Catherine liked the idea.
They felt like newly in love, like teenagers full of energy and the need to touch each other.
They hugged, they kissed, they giggled, they walked hand in hand and even had a big bowl full of ice cream which was meant for two people and two spoons – they just needed one.
Back in the car Steve asked "How about a great romantic dinner tonight?"
"That…is a good idea if you tell me what kind of romantic you have in mind."
"What do you mean by that?" Steve asked knowing exactly what she was referring to.
Catherine knew that he knew, so she just gave him a look.
"Okay, let's see. I think "rainbow" is out of question…" he started.
It got him another look but a smile too. She knew that he was just playing.
"…grilling at the beach was just two days ago…hm…how about…a table for two…with a tux for me and a nice dress of your choice for you…some candle light and…great "whatever you like" food?"
"I think I can get along with that. Italian?"
"Your choice."
"Italian it is."
"Okay, I'll make reservations." He dialed and after a few seconds he said "Yes, hello. McGarrett. I'd like to reserve a table for two for tonight at 7 pm…yes, of course. If one is available, it would be perfect. Thank you."
When Steve ended the call Catherine asked "What was that? About being available?"
"They have a booth for us. You know one these tiny extra rooms for people who want some privacy."
"Awesome. Looks like know "romantic"."
"Yeah, I don't want to screw that up again – ever."
"Don't worry. You made up for it big time with that dinner we had later."

Back home they went for a swim and a short sunbath before taking a shower.
At 6:20 pm Steve and Catherine left the house.
Catherine went for the truck but Steve told her to wait a minute.
She looked questioningly at him when she heard an engine and a moment later a limo approached.
Steve opened the door for her and said with a big smile on his face "Come on in."

On the way to the restaurant Steve couldn't stop smiling. The surprise was a total success. He could see that Catherine hadn't expected this. Not even close.
She wasn't someone who needed or wanted luxury but she liked Steve spoiling her romantically.

They were led into their booth. A candle got lit, a bottle of wine got opened and although they both had their favorite dish, they looked at the menu.
The waiter took their orders and after he had left Steve and Catherine clinked glasses and had a sip of wine.
"I really like this, Steve. Thank you." Catherine leaned over the table towards him and gave him a kiss.
"And I liked that," he smiled broadly at her before continuing "there is something I want to talk to you about."
"You look serious. Is everything okay?" she asked suddenly concerned.
"Yeah, 'm good. Don't worry. Probably just nervous" he said smiling again, just a bit insecurely this time.
"What is it then?" Catherine asked curiously.
"You…you know I love you right," Steve asked.
"I do. And I love you too," Catherine answered wondering where this was going.
"That is great. I had hoped you'd say that."
He stood up rounded the table and kneeled down in front of her.
"Catherine Rollins. Do you want to marry me?"
Catherine was stunned. She hadn't expected that. Sure, some day but not today.
"I…I…," she stammered before getting a grip on herself again. "Of course. Yes. Yes! Steven J. McGarrett. I want to marry you."
They both stood up and hugged and kissed each other before Steve pulled out a ring and put it on Catherine's finger. Then they kissed again.
"Wow," Catherine said. "You…you really know romantic. I hadn't expected that at all. You've planned all this, did you? It wasn't spontaneous at all, right?"
"No, it wasn't. And…and actually I've planned some more. Would you mind if it's not just the two of us?"
"Depends," Catherine said hesitantly.
"Well, let's see then." Steve replied opened the door of their booth.
"Danny? I…I thought you are with Charlie. Or was this just an excuse for…whatever?" Catherine couldn't think straight, she was just too overwhelmed.
"No," Danny answered "it wasn't but Charlie is at a friend's pajama party tonight. So, I had some time on my hands. Congratulations, Catherine."
He kissed her cheek. "I am happy for you two. And you are the only one who can calm and control this maniac. So, it is good to know he is under permanent observation from now on."
"Danny is my best man," Steve tried to change the subject before Danny could start one of his rants. "I hope you don't mind that he is here." Then he turned to Danny "If you continue to make comments like this, I have to overthink my decision though," he said in a light mood with a smile on his face. Danny just smiled back.
"It's okay. For a moment I had thought you had organized a big party or something. But Danny is perfectly fine.
I need to call Susan, tell her the news ask her to be my maid of honor." Catherine said.
"That won't be necessary," Steve said and opened the door once again.
"Susan!" Catherine cried out when said woman came into the room. "What…how?" Catherine couldn't believe her eyes.
"Congratulations," Susan said and embraced her friend. "It was about time."
While the girls hugged, Steve and Danny high-fived each other.
"Steve. This is awesome. How…when did you organize all this?"
"I'll tell you in a few minutes. We have to leave the room first."
"Why?"
"Because we are four people now and we have another room for four where we can celebrate in private."

"Now, tell me," Catherine demanded after all four had clinked glassed at the new location.
"I had planned it for Saturday three weeks ago. But then came one intense case after the other. I knew I wouldn't be up for this and cancelled it all.
When the governor gave us off two days ago, I called Susan. She had time and after she had called me to tell me that she had already booked, I called the restaurant and made the arrangements. Then…"
"Wait a minute," Catherine interrupted. "You did all this two days ago? Who did you call on the way back from the mall?"
Steve smiled "Danny. It was just to let him know that everything was going according to plan.
After all there would have been the possibility – albeit slight – that you would not have chosen Italian. Then we would have had to reschedule. Thankfully, it worked out."
Catherine smiled "I think I have said this before but I love you."
"I love you too."
They kissed across the table while Danny and Susan smiled at each other, both happy for their friends. Happy, that their hearts had finally found their way and that Steve was finally able to close his longest running "case".

The end

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