This will probably be the last chapter for tonight. I'll try and finish it up tomorrow. Thanks again for the reviews. :o)

Chapter 9

Dom couldn't help but notice how quiet Hawke was after they got their coffee. "String, is there something you need to tell me?" he finally asked. "Like why Cameron looks so much like you as a kid?"

Hawke chuckled lightly. "Can't put anything past you, can I" he asked.

"Kid, I know this might be a crazy question but is he your kid?" Dom asked.

Hawke sighed. "When Caitlin was sixteen she came to California with her parents and ended up bar hopping with a fake ID that her cousin made her," he replied. "Let's just say after a lot of drinking and smoking, she and I hooked up. I had just lost St. John and I was reckless. I didn't even really remember much about that night until she showed me some photos that Michael got from her aunt. She didn't know my name and sadly I didn't know hers."

"Well, I guess that was one screw up that just may have turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to you," Dom admitted. "What are you going to do?"

Hawke shrugged. "For now we'll explore joint custody I guess," he replied.

"What?" Dom replied nearly yelling. "Come on String. One thing I know for sure is that you love Caitlin and she definitely loves you. What the hell are you waiting for?"

Hawke sighed. "I guess she wants to make sure I want to be with her for the right reason," he replied. "It's not like I've really shown any interest in her before now."

"True," Dom replied. "But she knows as well as I do how you are about relationships."

"I'm going to try and play this out her way," Hawke told him. "But, don't worry. I'm not giving up on her."

"So, is she telling Cameron about you?" Dom asked after sipping more of his coffee.

"Yeah, she is," Hawke said softly. "It's just a little tricky as to why you and I didn't know about it. We're hoping to skirt the issue but he's a pretty bright kid. He's going to want some explanation."

"That he is," Dom chuckled. "I really enjoyed spending time with him though. He's wise beyond his age I think."

After they finished their coffee, the two men made their way back to Caitlin's room. Before they reached it, Cameron ran out and joined them.

"Hawke, Dom, guess what!" he nearly yelled. "My mom is being released from the hospital in an hour. Isn't that great?"

Hawke smiled. "Yeah, it is," he replied as they headed back into her room.

"I see he told you," Caitlin said. "I don't know who's more excited, him or me."

Hawke sat down on the edge of her bed. "Well, how about you both come up to the cabin for a few days until you're totally up to speed?"

Caitlin smiled at him. "Sure, I'd love that," she admitted. "I think Cameron will really like the cabin."

"What cabin?" he asked.

"I'll tell you all about it if you ride with me to take care of some things at the hangar," Dom told him. "We'll let Hawke wait around for them to release your mom."

"Okay," Cameron replied in an excited tone. "I have so many things I want to ask you."

Dom smiled. "I'll do my best to answer," he replied hesitantly while giving Hawke and Caitlin a "help me" look.

Caitlin laughed. "Have fun Dom," she replied.

"Oh, and by the way," Cameron said to Hawke. "I think it's cool that you're really my dad."

Hawke smiled. "I think it's pretty cool too," he admitted.

As they left, Hawke reached over and grabbed Caitlin's hand. "So I take it that the conversation went really well," he stated with a smile.

"Yeah, but we didn't discuss all the logistics though," she admitted. "He guessed you were his dad because of a picture he saw of you at Dom's."

"Speaking of logistics," Hawke said softly as he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. "I'm not ready to take no for an answer."

"No to what?" she asked biting her lip slightly.

"To us being together," he said in a near whisper. "To being a family."

Caitlin searched his eyes. She always thought she could read Hawke best by his eyes. What she saw there took her by surprise. "I'm scared," she admitted. "I don't want us to screw up what we already have."

Hawke pushed her backwards and onto her pillow before he began to gently but passionately kiss her again.

Caitlin wrapped her hands around his neck and gave into the kiss. The two didn't stop until they were interrupted by the doctor.

"Uh, I think this might be a little too much excitement for now," the doctor quipped. "Give it a few days first."

Hawke laughed as Caitlin's face turned bright red. "Sorry doctor," he replied. "Can I take her home now?"

"Yes, I just signed the release," he told them. "You're free to leave as soon as you're dressed and ready to go."

"Thanks," Caitlin said softly. "Hawke would you handing me my clothes from the closet?"

Hawke got up and retrieved her clothes. "Need any help?" he teased.

"No, I think I can manage on my own," she replied with a smile. "How about waiting out in the hall for me?"

"Okay," he gave in. "But I'd like to pick up where we left off soon."

"Not while Cameron is around," she chided.

Hawke smiled. "Don't worry, I'll con Dom into giving us some alone time," he teased. "He seems to really have clicked with Cameron."

Caitlin smiled. "Yeah, I think he has," she admitted.