Steve was sitting up in a chair chatting with Kono early the next morning when Danny arrived a little after six o'clock.
"Hey, look at you brother. You're looking much better than you were when I left last night, how do you feel?
"Good man, I slept through the night and I'm feeling good. Kono's already had me walking the halls this morning!"
"That's great, maybe we need to keep her here. You puke on Catherine and argue with me. Looks like the lady here has got you under control"
They both smiled at Kono as she spoke, "What are you doing here Danny, I thought Catherine was coming in this morning?"
"She is...I just needed to check up on my partner here since he was so feisty yesterday. Why don't you go ahead and head home Kono, I'll stay until Catherine arrives. Go get some sleep"
Kono moved to Steve, kissing him on the cheek, "I'll be back tomorrow boss, you keep fighting, we need you back soon. I love you"
"I love you too dear. Thank You"
Once Kono had left the room, Danny pulled out the little velvet box holding Catherine's engagement ring.
"This is quite an impressive rock my friend, well done"
"I'm kind of nervous about it Danno"
"You don't have to rush into this you know"
"Like you said yesterday, I've been with her for three years. I should have done THIS two years ago"
"Then why are you nervous about it?"
"She knows about my relationship with Julia...what if she says no?"
"Steven, I've spent a lot of time with that woman over the last two weeks and I promise you my friend, she will NOT be saying no to you. Have you ever proposed to anyone before?"
"No...I've been in love a few times, but no...she's truly been the only person I can honestly say that I want to have in my life forever, that I want to grow old with"
"Oh yeah, what about me? You sure know how to hurt a guy, partner"
Steve's shoulders shook as the comment caused him to erupt in laughter,
"Oh stop man...God it hurts to laugh..."
"Why you laughing, I'm serious brother!" Tears of laughter were rolling down both their cheeks.
"Dann..oo sstoppp...stopppp...hurrt's mmann"
"Okay, sorry man...where do you want me to put this rock?"
Steve took a few moments to compose himself before telling Danny to put it into the small pull drawer on his food tray.
"Can I ask you to do me another favor?"
"They're really adding up here pal. What do you need?"
"I can't ask a girl to marry me looking like this. Can you give a close shave?"
"So you're gonna trust me with a razor to your throat?"
"I trust you with my life babe and I always will"
By the time Cath arrived, Steve was clean shaven and Danny had helped him to the bathroom and he was back in bed and resting, his eyes closed.
Danny and Catherine chatted for a few minutes and as Danny was leaving the room Steve called out to him, "Danno...Thanks for everything man. Have a good day"
"You too, give me call later on 'k? You get some rest now"
"Will do brother"
The morning was uneventful as Steve slept most of the time. Around noon the nurse arrived with his lunch, another liquid diet meal.
"Cath, before I eat can we talk?"
"Sure sweetheart, what is it?"
"Can you go shut the door?"
Catherine did as he asked and turned to face him, a look of concern on her face.
Steve had taken the ring from the drawer while her back was turned.
As she reached the bed she spoke, "Steve, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong Cath I promise. Come sit next to me babe" He patted the bed and she sat, nestling up to him. He reached out and took her hand in his.
"Catherine, two months ago I made a horrible mistake when I let you walk out of my life and today I hope to correct that mistake" His voice was shaking and tears pooled in his eyes as he continued, "I know this is not the most romantic of settings but I can't let this go another day. I love you with all my heart Cath, and I don't want to ever spend another day without you. Catherine Rollins, will you marry me?" Steve opened his closed hand which held the beautiful diamond ring.
Tears were streaming down both their faces as Catherine answered gleefully,
"Oh Steve yes! I want nothing more than to be your wife. I love you sweetheart, I love you so much!"
He placed the ring on her finger and she leaned over and kissed him passionately.
About an hour later Danny called in on Catherine's phone and she handed it to Steve.
"Okay Steven, I've been on pins and needles all day...have you asked her yet?
"Yes partner... the answer is yes" Steve held the phone away from his ear as Danny screamed with delight causing both Steve and Cath to chuckle.
He brought the phone back to his ear as Danny continued, "I'm so happy for you Steve. So happy for both of you. You are a wonderful couple, tell Cath I love her and I'll be up in a couple of hours. I love you brother"
"Thanks Danny, I love you too man" He was smiling broadly as he handed Catherine the phone, "Danny sends his love"
"Is he the only one who knows about this?"
"Yeah, I needed him to bring me the ring"
"He's such a dear friend"
"Yes, I couldn't ask for a better partner and friend. I'm going to ask him to be my best man Cath"
"I agree, it could be no one else!"
"Honey, I need to talk to you about something very serious. Danny thinks I'm wrong..."
Cath took hold of his hand, "Go on Steve, what is it?"
Steve went on to tell her all about Julia, all about the last few weeks. "I'm very sorry Cath. I don't want to hurt you but I want to be totally honest. I do care for her and I'm worried about her. As crazy as it sounds, I think my feelings for her have truly made me fully understand that you are the only one for me. My love for you is so much deeper. I have never needed another person like I need you Cath and I promise you no one will ever come between us. Can you forgive me?"
Steve reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks, "We were apart Steve, you have nothing to apologize for. When Danny called and told me you'd been hurt...I have never been so afraid. I thought I would never be able to tell you how much I loved you and how sorry I was. I know I hurt you and I'm so very sorry. God has given us a second chance at love and I am the luckiest girl in the world. Our lives together start today Mr. McGarrett and I also pledge to you that no one will ever come between us"
The two kissed and then Steve continued, telling her of his plans to let Julia go free. She ran her hand through his hair, "Are you sure that's what you really want to do?"
"I think it's the right thing to do Cath. She's lost her entire family. I know that's no excuse for what she did and that's Danny's argument but when it comes right down to it she saved my life. If she hadn't of called Danny I would have died in that cave...I'm certain of that"
"Then do it sweetheart. If it will bring peace and closure to you that's all that matters. See her if you need to, I understand and I trust what you're doing is best for both of us"
"Thank you Catherine" The two kissed tenderly and they were soon interrupted by the nurse as she came in to check his vitals and to give him the news that they would be giving him soft foods for dinner, no more liquid diet.