I would like to apologize for the delay in updating this story. Unfortunately, my computer thinks it needs to shut off every 5 minutes so it has taken me way longer to write anything due to me getting aggravated with the computer.
Thank you to everyone who is sticking it out with me. I am hoping that I can write a couple of chapters written so I can update more. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
/
Steve looked at her for a moment before saying anything about the wedding or another baby.
"Another baby? Are you trying to tell me something, Rollins?"
"No, I am not trying to tell you anything. I know that you weren't close with Mary growing up but I hated being an only child." She started to explain.
"Cath, we both have said we want more kids. So, whenever it happens I will be happy."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely and you were beautiful pregnant. I can't wait to see that again."
"Plus moody, grumpy, and hungry all the time. I just thought it would be nice to not have to be so careful all the time after we get married."
"It would be nice. Whenever you are ready, nothing changes for me until after the fact."
Catherine couldn't help but smile at him, not that they weren't a family before but now it felt real and they were going to add to it. She looked over at Sawyer.
"She was asking about Charlie and Gracie, when they could come over again?"
"You should call Danny, I know he has Gracie but not sure what they are doing with Charlie."
"Rachel is trying to let them get to know each other, so he hasn't stayed at Danny's overnight but she is letting Danny get him through the day."
"How are Danny and Stan handling it? I can't help but feel for Stan, he lost a son in all this mess."
"Actually Danny and Stan sat down together and discussed it. Danny doesn't want to confuse Charlie any more than they already have but wanted him to know the truth about who he was. So they agreed that they would both be dad. You are right he did lose a son and Danny told me that he didn't know how he would feel if it was him with Gracie."
"I am glad the adults are acting like adults, it could be way worse."
"Yes, it could. I'll call him later to see what they are doing."
"Good, I was going to call the girls and see if they wanted to go shopping tomorrow."
"What could we possibly need?" he asked with a laugh.
"Sawyer needs more shoes and a couple more bathing suits, but do I really need a reason to go shopping."
"No you don't."
/
A few hours later.
Catherine walked out to the lanai, they were waiting for Danny, Gabby, and the kids to come over for dinner. As she sat down in one of the chairs, she could help but smile at Steve and Sawyer. They were in the middle of yard, Steve was twirling Sawyer around, it looked like they were dancing, but you could hear Sawyer laughing. She wished more people could see this side of Steve, he was so loving and gentle with Sawyer but Catherine knew the big bad SEAL was want most people seen.
"Daddy again." Sawyer cried out.
"You aren't dizzy enough?"
"No, again please." As she started to pout.
Steve picked her up and started spinning.
"Those big brown eyes are going to get him every time." Danny whispered to Catherine, making her jump a little.
"I didn't hear you come in. Where is everyone?" as she turned to look at him.
He was holding a sleeping Charlie.
"Gabby and Grace are on their way, Grace wanted to stop and get dessert." He explained as he sat down.
"They didn't need to do that. If you want you can lay him in one of the beds or on the couch."
"Thanks but it kind of reminds me of when Grace was this little. Grace insisted that we needed a dessert, after we explained that it would be okay, she said Sawyer need a dessert."
"Uncle Danny mode kicked in."
"It did but Aunt Gabby agreed before I did."
"You and Steve are a bunch of softies when it comes to your kids."
"Just don't let it get out." He laughed as Steve stumbled from spinning so much.
"I won't."
/
Danny looked out at his partner, more of a bother, and smiled.
"He's in heaven."
"He is. I love him but seeing him and her together makes my heart swell. Danny, I don't want you to think that we took the decision of her staying with my parents lightly." She started.
"What? Did I give you the impression that I thought you did?"
"No you didn't. It's just that more times than I can count I have felt guilty about not retiring and raising her. Steve felt the same way especially after he had settled here but he didn't think it was fair to bring her here and then work all the time. We talked about it after Hess but then all hell broke out with Doris and her past." She paused for a moment, watching Steve and Sawyer.
"Cath, you don't have to explain to me. I was hurt when you first told us but I completely understand, I would do anything to keep my kids safe and that is what the two of you were doing."
"I am glad you understand. I don't want you to ever think that we did not trust you because we do."
Danny went to reply but Sawyer came running towards them with Steve following behind.
/
"Uncle Danno, where is Gracie?" as Sawyer came running up to them, Steve following her.
"Uncle Danno?" Catherine looking at Steve and Danny.
"Absolutely. She will be here soon." Danny smiling.
Catherine just shook her head, she knew at that moment Sawyer would not be told no by Steve or Danny. Sawyer would be treated just like Grace, it could be a little concerning.
"Oh, when is Charlie going to get up?" as she climbed up into Catherine's lap.
"Soon. Are you ready to play?"
"Yes, I want to show them my new bubble maker. It blows out lots of bubbles at one time." She explained as her eyes got big.
"That sounds like lots of fun, maybe I will join you when you three play with it."
"Really? Will you play to daddy?"
"Absolutely."
"I can't wait to take pictures of this." Catherine laughing.
/
Once dinner was done, Danny, Steve, and the kids played in the yard while Catherine and Gabby sat on the lanai talking and snapping pictures.
"Did your folks get to Italy?"
"Yes, they called last night when they got into the hotel. Mom said she was going to relax today and tomorrow go look at the new house."
"Will they be on base?"
"Yeah, dad thought it would be better. Mom loves exploring new places but the closest village or town to the base is an hour away. They would have to drive that every day, at least dad would and mom anytime something is happening on base."
"She likes to be involved with events." Gabby replied with a smile.
"Yes, especially with the kids. She helps with a lot of the parties and homecoming events. She told me as a kid she did to make friends and help me fit in. I think she kept it up after I went to the academy to give her something to do."
"Your parents are amazing. They were thrilled when Steve proposed. Any wedding plans?"
"They have always supported us, no matter how unconventional our relationship has been. No plans yet, I don't think we will wait long." She replied as she looked down at the ring.
"You two are perfect for each other."
"I know two other people that are as well. How are you doing with the Charlie news?"
"Now that I am not mad or in shock?"
"Yes. Mad?"
"I wasn't mad at Danny, he told me that they tried to work things out and he thought that Charlie was his at first. I was mad at Rachel and the situation. Charlie is a great kid and I am enjoying getting to know him but it's been confusing for him and Grace. You know that I had met Rachel before all this and while I wouldn't call us friends, we were civil to each other."
"And now?" looking back out to the yard to make sure the kids were nowhere close.
"I want to ask her what the hell she was thinking and if she would have told the truth if Charlie wouldn't have been sick but I just smile and try to be polite. Danny, Rachel, and Stan have come to agreement and I agree that the kids will always come first, it's been difficult."
"You weren't include in the discussion?"
"No, Danny and I talked but I felt because we are only dating I shouldn't be a part of it. I think he just agreed because he didn't want me to feel awkward."
"You two are more than just dating. You are in it for the long haul."
"Thanks, I am. I love him and those kids." Gabby smiling.
"You're exactly what he needs. You are his calm when he gets worked up, I've seen the difference in him since the two of you have been together. Gracie and Charlie are lucky to have you in their lives."
"Thank you. When we first starting dating, I was worried about you and Steve not liking me. I knew that if we didn't get along things would not work out between Danny and myself. He thinks of the two of you as family and your opinions mean the world to him, I don't think he would have introduced me to Grace if we all didn't get along."
"Well he was worried about nothing." Catherine replied with a smile, before they kids were yelling at them to join in on the bubble fun.
Please let me know what you think, I am hoping to get a couple more chapter's written so the updates won't take as long. Again, I am sorry it took so long to update.