Catherine's eyes were wet.
Yes! A thousand times yes! I waited so long to hear this!
Steve took the box with the ring in the pocket of his pants.
Give me your hand. He said, opening the box and taking the ring that had always belonged to Catherine.
I don't just want to live with you. I want you to be my wife.
Steve put the ring on her finger.
Catherine was thrilled and hugged Steve hard.
I thought I'd lost you forever. You don't know how I suffered, Steve.
Let's not talk about suffering, Cath. Let's just be happy now.
You're right. Forgive me.
You don't have to ask for forgiveness. Steve said.
We can go out tomorrow with the kids. Let's celebrate. Catherine said, smiling.
Yeah, but don't tell John yet. I want to tell him about us, but I'm still thinking about how to do it.
It's all right. I"ll not say anything to him.
Thank you, Cath. Now let's get in? I'm sure your bed is a lot warmer than out here.
Yes, of course ...
Catherine woke up hungry in the middle of the night. She got up to go to the kitchen, but before, she went to the boys' bedroom to check if they were warm. She opened the door and heard John sobbing softly.
He was curled up in bed and Catherine felt sorry for him.
John, why are you crying? She asked tenderly.
Daddy left and left me here.
Oh no, dear. He has not left, he's asleep. Come see! Catherine said, extending her hand to him.
John took her hand and she led him to her bedroom where Steve slept.
Do you saw? Your father is asleep.
John shook his head.
I'm going to make a sandwich for me. You want it too? Catherine asked.
Yes.
Then come with me. Catherine said, leading him into the kitchen.
John sat down as he waited for Catherine to prepare the sandwich.
It's almost ready. Catherine said, smiling at him.
Steve woke up and missed Catherine in bed. He got up and found her eating with John in the kitchen.
Hey, you two! Eating in the middle of the night?
I was very hungry, and so was John. You want it too? Catherine asked.
No thank you. Steve said, sitting down next to John.
He was crying because he thought you were gone and left him here. Catherine said.
I wouldn't do that to you, son. When I'm gone you go with me.
Steve thought it was a good time to talk to him.
What do you think of us taking Steven and Catherine home with us?
Is he staying in my room? John asked.
If you do not want him to stay in your room, I can arrange a room for him.
He can stay in my room. John said.
Steve looked at Catherine.
Can I go too, John? Catherine asked.
You can.
John finished eating and Steve took him to sleep again.
Steve waited for John to sleep again.
Catherine went to the bedroom and John was already asleep. She checked Steven and he was fine.
He didn't have a fever, Steve. He really was missing you. Catherine said.
Steve got up and kissed John and Steven's forehead.
That's good, Cath. I'm glad he's okay. Come on, let's go to sleep again. Steve said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
The next day Steve and Catherine took the children to the movies and to the pizzeria. They had a lot of fun.
Marcy went to visit her mother and told her everything that had happened.
Marcy, how can you leave your son behind?
I need to think about my happiness, Mother.
What if your relationship with Michael doesn't work?
If it doesn't work, I'm going back to Hawaii. Marcy answered.
Steve will never accept you back. And if there's another woman, she'll take her place in your child's life, because you have abandoned him.
You're mistaken, Mother. John will never accept her.
Steve and Catherine came home with the kids.
John and Steven, it's bedtime. Steve said to the boys.
Catherine was lying on the couch with her feet elevated.
Yes, it's bedtime because you guys have made us tired. Catherine said.
Steven hugged and kissed Catherine.
Good night mommy!
Goodnight My Love! Catherine replied.
John was looking at Catherine and Steven.
What about you, John? Where's my hug and my good night kiss?
John hugged and kissed Catherine shyly.
Goodnight dear. Catherine said, hugging him too.
Steve took them to the bedroom.
Daddy, tell us a story? Steven asked.
Tell you a story, son? Let me think...
Steve put one son sitting on each leg of him.
I'm going to tell a story of how a sailor was on a big ship and he met the most beautiful girl in the navy ...