What happened?

Doris asked.

Someone tried to kidnap James. Steve answered, worried.

He is shaking. I'll take him to the bedroom. Catherine said.

Not, Mom. I don't want to be alone in my room. I want to stay here, near you.

All right, son. Sit down there on the couch, then. I'll cook you a snack.

All right, Mom.

Come on, James. Said Doris, taking him into the living room.

What now, Steve? Catherine asked.

Who would want to hit us, Cath? Why?

There are many possibilities, Steve. Possibilities we can't even imagine.

I'll take him to the skill forensic. There may be traces of this man's skin under James' fingernails. Steve said.

He's scared, Steve. This will scare him even more. Please don't do that. Catherine asked.

So someone comes to our house, tries to steal our son and we're not going to do anything?

Catherine took a deep breath.

Okay. But try not to make him any more nervous than he is.

All right, Cath.

Steve went into the living room and Annye was comforting James.

Mommy and Daddy will not let anyone take you away, James. But don't stay outside alone anymore. Annye said, hugging her brother.

They're so sweet to each other, Steve. You and Catherine did a great job with the kids. Said Doris.

Thank you mom. I was going to take James to the skill forensic, but Catherine's right. I can't scare him any longer. They're already well traumatized by the recent events.

We're going to protect them, Steve. You can trust me for it. Said Doris.

Thank you mom.

You're welcome, my son.

Guys, I'm serving the snack. Said Catherine putting the sandwiches on the table.

Come on, Lizzie. Jimmy said taking her hand.

Catherine realized that.

Late in the afternoon, Catherine went to take Lizzie home with Jimmy.

They left Lizzie in front of her house.

Lizzie, tell your mother I can't go in and talk to her today. You know everything that happened in my house. I'm very worried. Apologize to her for me.

I'm going to talk to her, Mrs. McGarrett. Lizzie said, getting out of the car.

Goodbye, Jimmy. See you at school tomorrow.

Goodbye, Lizzie. See you tomorrow.

Catherine and Jimmy watched Lizzie come in and then they left.

Catherine was very serious and Jimmy wasn't used to seeing her like this.

I'm so sorry, Mom.

Do you feel sorry for what, son? Catherine asked.

For everything you've been through in the last few week.

Thank you, Jimmy. But don't worry about me.

I'll always worry about you, Mom.

You and James are going to school tomorrow. Take care of your brother for me, Jimmy, Please. And you also have to be careful.

Okay. I'll do it, Mom.

Thank you, son.

They were silent for some time.

You want to tell me something about Lizzie? Catherine asked, changing the subject.

Jimmy was surprised by the question.

Yes mom. She asked me if I want to dance with her at her 15th birthday party.

And you accepted?

Yes. Did I act wrong? Jimmy asked.

No. Lizzie is a good girl and I like her. But if they were those spoiled, selfish, pretentious girls in your class, I wouldn't let it. You're mine and I wouldn't lend you to them. But to Lizzie I lend. Catherine said, smiling.

Jimmy smiled too.

So will you lend me? This is jealousy, Mother.

Yes, it's jealousy. I'm jealous of my children. This is normal.

Jimmy couldn't stop laughing.

Stop laughing at me, Jimmy! Or I'll leave you here and you go home on foot.

OK sorry.

We're going to have to buy you a new social outfit. Catherine said.

Do you teach me how to dance, Mother?

I teach, Jimmy. You'll be the best dancer of the party.

Over the next few days, Steve improved the house security system and forbade the children from being alone in the yard.

One month later...

It was Catherine's birthday. Steve bought a cake to celebrate her birthday with the children. And at night, he would take her to dinner.

Congratulations Cath! I want to celebrate many birthdays at your side. Steve said, hugging her.

Thanks. Catherine said, kissing him.

Congratulations, Mommy! I love you. Can I have some cake? Annye asked, hugging Catherine.

Thank you, I love you too, my baby. I'll give you cake, wait a little.

Congratulations, Mommy! You're the best mother in the world. I want you to live many years. I love you! James said, hugging her.

Thank you, son. I love you so much too. You don't know how much.

Jimmy hugged her, too.

Congratulations, Mom. I wrote some things and I wanted to read to you.

Of course, son. I'll love to hear it. Catherine said, sitting down to listen to him.

Mother is the one who loves and cares and you are the best. Your blood is different from mine, but the love we feel is the same. Mother, you didn't bring me into the world, but I owe you everything, even my life. If I weren't here I would be elsewhere and wouldn't be so happy. Mom, every day of my life you make me forget that you are my foster mother. I'll never forget the kisses of good night, the words of affection and comfort when I needed it you! I love you! Happy Birthday.

Jimmy finished the reading through the tears. Catherine can't contain her tears either. But they were tears of happiness.

Catherine hugged him.

Jimmy, I didn't have the privilege of having you in my uterus, nor to take care of you from your first day of life, but you're a gift to me, you were a personal choice. A decision I have never regretted. Thank you for existing in my life, son. I love you too.

You did great, Jimmy. Steve said.

Thanks dad.

Doris hugged her, too.

Congratulations, Catherine. You know how much I like you, like a daughter.

Thank you, Doris.

Can we eat the cake now? Annye asked.

No, Annye. We have to sing first. You're as greedy as Daddy. James said.

I heard that, James. I'll leave you two months without a monthly allowance. Steve said.

Catherine smiled. She had a very happy afternoon with her family.

At night she prepared to go out to dinner with Steve.

He was waiting for her in the living room when a gorgeous Catherine came down the stairs.

Wow. You look beautiful! Steve said, smiling.

Thank you, sailor.

Children, obey your grandmother. Do whatever she asks. Did you understand?

Yes mom. The children answered.

Great. We can go? Steve said, offering his arm to Catherine.

We can.

Have fun and don't hurry to back home. Said Doris.

Thank you, Doris. Call us if you need

Catherine said.

Steve took Catherine to a great restaurant and she really liked his choice.

Did you like it? Steve asked.

It's wonderful, Steve. Thanks.

You deserve this and more, my queen. Steve said, kissing her hand.

You're so romantic today, sailor. She said, smiling.

How long have not we had one night alone? Steve asked.

It's been a long time. Since I came back to Hawaii, we never went out alone because we had Jimmy and then came James and then Annye. Catherine said.

It's true. So let's enjoy it a lot. Let's toast your birthday.

They raised the goblets.

To the most beautiful wife in the world and to our happiness! Steve said.

To our happiness! Catherine said, smiling.

At home, Doris took care of the children.

All set, Grandma. James and I have cleaned the table and the kitchen. Jimmy said.

Great, my dears. Sit here with me and Annye. Let's watch a movie.

Everyone sat down to watch the movie.

Annye looked at the door that led to the backyard and opened her eyes wide.

Grandma!

What Annye? Doris asked.

Annye pointed her finger toward the door.