Standing in the bedroom doorway, Steve told Catherine that if she would start breakfast while he was swimming, he would clean up while she swam. Just then Maile walked past clearly damp from a swim and said, "I'm up. Why don't I put coffee on while you two swim together?"
Steve and Catherine jumped at the chance to swim together and were out the door quickly. Heading to the water, Catherine said, "we should really get a jogging stroller; otherwise chances to work out are going to be few and far between."
"We can, I was also thinking a back pack would be good for jogging. Joan is still lighter than all my gear if I'm in the field as a SEAL so it could be good training for me. Although it might be lots of bouncing for her," said Steve.
"That could work," said Catherine nodding.
They didn't really swim "together" because Steve swam faster than Catherine, but it was nice to be out in the water at the same time. Being able to go for a swim with minimal effort was one of Steve's favorite things about the home he had grown up in.
As Catherine and Steve headed back to the house, Catherine said "we should probably figure out a schedule with Maile for the morning. I didn't expect her to be up before us."
"Sure. How do you feel about pancakes for breakfast?" asked Steve.
"I never turn down pancakes," said Catherine.
They walked into the house and found the table set including a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. Then Maile walked into the dining room carrying Joan and a tray of pancakes.
"I felt like pancakes. I hope you like them," said Maile.
"I love pancakes; I was just going to make some, but you don't have to cook for us," said Steve.
"I know, I like to cook and bake," Maile
"Well, you are welcome to use the kitchen whenever," said Catherine.
"Thanks. I was thinking I could keep an ear out for Joan in the morning if you two want to swim together or something," said Maile.
"That would be great. By the way, I wanted to let you know that some of the guys are coming over to play cards Friday night, but I'll still be watching Joan so you can go out or whatever," said Steve.
~~HW 5 0~~
The meeting with Chaplin Carlson was pretty painless, thought Steve. They talked about Catherine's late grandfather, about how they met, about Joan and the Chaplin expressed his condolences about Mary. He explained the counseling he liked to do and that it focused on making sure the couple communicated about important issues and that they didn't have to talk about religious or spiritual beliefs. He did recommend that the couple talk about their beliefs, and he was happy to help them with that. He suggested Catherine and Steve do some of that after they were married. He wasn't going to make them wait given the circumstances.
Steve realized that he and Catherine had never really talked about their beliefs. Steve knew Catherine still identified as Protestant and went to church a handful of times a year. His dog tags read Catholic, but even growing up they had been mainly Christmas and Easter types, although he had done everything up through confirmation. He hadn't thought about what he believed or didn't believe in many years. He knew Mary actively rejected the idea of a higher power so there would be no prayers at her memorial service. He knew he wouldn't go so far as to reject the idea of God.
"We'll we've got 3 hours, Steve, do you want to go test drive some cars?" asked Catherine.
"Yeah, that sounds good. Let's stop by the house, drop off your car, and pick up Joan, so we can head straight to the airport," said Steve.
"Let's just go straight there. Joan is probably taking a nap right now," said Catherine.
"OK, I'll meet you at the dealership," said Steve.
Two and a half hours later, Catherine and Steve had traded in the Silverado and were the owners of a blue 2014 Chevy Traverse and had ordered a black 2014 Chevy Suburban. Catherine took the Stingray home and Steve headed to the airport in the Traverse.
Steve was glad that Doris had decided to meet Deb in LA for the flight to the Honolulu. He did not want to have to referee their first meeting since Doris's "death." The two women had not been close before the incident, and Deb had been furious when she found out what happened. He saw the two women walking towards him, and it looked like they had some kind of truce.
"Oh Steve," said Deb, throwing her arms around the tall man. Steve returned the hug saying "hi, Aunt Deb, I'm so glad to see you again. I wish it was under better circumstances."
"Steve," said Doris hugging her son. Steve stiffened but returned the hug. "I'm glad you were able to come, Doris. Let's get the luggage and get out of here," said Steve.
Doris felt a small stab of pain when she saw that her son was clearly more comfortable with his aunt than her. Not for the first time she wondered if she had made a good decision in leaving her family.
Steve helped the women gather the luggage and load it in the car.
"Wow, I know the Navy taught you to be neat Steve, but this car is immaculate," said Deb.
"It should be. Catherine and I just bought it. I drove it straight off the lot right here. We needed something that worked better with kids."
"When did you and Catherine become a "we" that buys a family car together? And kids? Is she pregnant?" asked Doris.
"Earlier in the week. Yes, kids as in Joan and one or two more. No, she's not pregnant yet. Why does everyone keep asking that? I hope you can stay through Saturday; Catherine and I are getting married, on the beach at home that morning," said Steve.
"Of course I can stay, Steve, I wouldn't miss it for anything. I suspect people keep asking you that because at Thanksgiving you wouldn't use the words 'girlfriend' or 'boyfriend,' so getting married seems sudden, and you wouldn't let a child of yours grow up without a father. But I thought you two had a future together. I'm very excited for you," said Deb.
"You are right, I wouldn't let a child of mine grow up without a father if I could avoid it. But Cath and I aren't teenagers, not getting her pregnant until we are ready isn't rocket science," said Steve.
"Catherine is a lovely woman, and I'm so happy for you. I'd love to stay. You both were just so reluctant to admit you were serious; I thought maybe a baby pushed along. I'm sorry. But things don't always happen the way you plan." said Doris.
"We've been serious for a long time, but not very good at telling anyone. Everything with Mary reminded us life is short. Cath knew I was planning to ask her, I just needed to buy a ring and stuff, but she presented me with this plan. I thought it was a good one. We want to make sure Joan knows about Mary and the adoption, but we want to raise her as our daughter. We are thinking about trying for a sister or brother for Joan in the next year or so, but I suspect that depends on how well we do with Joan," said Steve.
"Well, I'm so glad you are doing this Steve. I so glad I get to see this," said Deb.
"Thanks. Listen, I'm sorry we don't have room at the house, but between Joan and the nanny, it's pretty crazy. We are actually talking about adding on. Catherine owns a house that we are going to sell and do some remodeling on our house," said Steve.
"It's not problem Steve; I'm going to stay with Mick," said Doris.
"I'm going to enjoy the Hilton. What's the plan?" asked Aunt Deb.
"Well, we need to go by the house to get Catherine and Joan. Cath's car doesn't have room for a car seat. Then we are having dinner at DeMarco's. Tomorrow morning is Mary's service. Then we have sandwiches and stuff at the house. Thursday is free. Friday evening Catherine would like you to join her, her mom and some friends of some kind of spa thing. I'm playing cards with the guys at home. Saturday morning is the wedding, then lunch in the yard again. Then I'm taking Catherine away to a bed and breakfast. Monday morning we go back to work," said Steve.
"Who is watching the baby?" asked Deb.
"Probably Maile, the nanny, but I guess we need to arrange that," said Steve.
"Do you think I could watch Joan?' asked Aunt Deb?
"That would be great Aunt Deb," said Steve.
~~HW 5 0~~
Dinner at DeMarco's was nice, thought Steve as he drove home after dropping Aunt Deb off. It was the people he thought of as immediate family, Danny, Chin, Kono, Catherine, his in-laws, Aunt Deb, Doris, Joan and Maile too, who took Joan home to bed. Aunt Deb and Doris told stories about when Mary and he were kids, his in-laws told some about Catherine that he had never heard, and the team told stories on both of them. Doris said that Steve surprised them by showing up earlier than they planned; his arrival was made know when Doris threw up and then fainted in pre-Cana classes, and Mary surprised them by being much later than planned. Doris had several miscarriages between them. He was pretty sure that was his response to his comments in the car, and it was nice to hear. Someday maybe he'll ask why they lied about the wedding date.
Since Catherine's car wasn't in the driveway, Steve figured he had beaten her home. The house was quiet and dark when he walked it. He went upstairs and checked on Joan. Maile's door was cracked open, and the light was on, so he knocked and entered when invited.
"Thanks for bringing Joan home. Everyone wanted to see her, but it would have been too late a night for her. Did she go down ok?" said Steve
"She didn't even wake up when I took her out of the car seat. I enjoyed getting to meet you family, Commander," said Maile.
"It's Steve, Maile. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll take the baby monitor; you are very much off duty for the day," said Steve.
"Thanks, Steve," said Maile.
Settling into bed, Steve decided to read a little more on child development before he went to sleep. He felt like it was helping him get a handle on being a father. He had read about a page when he heard Catherine open the door, set the alarm and come up the stairs.
"Hey Sailor, everyone down for the night?" asked Catherine as she began to get dressed for bed.
"Yep, Joan didn't even wake up when taken out of the car seat. You were gone awhile. I'm guessing Doris wanted to talk?" asked Steve.
"She just wanted to welcome me to the family, ask some questions about Mary and Joan, tell me a little about you as a boy. Don't worry, she wasn't prying into our life," answered Catherine.
"I wasn't worried," said Steve. "I trust you to handle her."
Catherine brushed her teeth and then slid into bed next to Steve. She picked up her own book and read for a bit. She put down her book when Steve put down his. "Steve, I know you are very good at putting your emotions on the back burner, and I don't want to push you to talk, but I hope you take the time to grieve Mary. We've got happy stuff going on too, but I don't expect this time not to be bittersweet."
"Thanks Catherine. I know, believe me. It is bitter sweet, but it's not even that I don't want to talk about it, it's just that I have nothing to say beyond the obvious that I hate that she is dead and it makes me sad. You are on the top of the list of people to talk to if I come up with something to say."
Steve leaned over and kissed Catherine, and both settled in and went to sleep.
Steve woke up early even for him and decided to go for a long swim. It would help him clear his head before things get busy. It was going to be a long day.
Swimming in the ocean was cathartic for Steve. He did some of his grieving for Mary out in the ocean. When he got back to shore, he felt ready to face the day.
The house was still quiet when he got back in. Then he heard Joan start to coo to herself after his shower as he was about to head downstairs after getting a shower, so he detoured by her room. "Good morning Joan," said Steve picking the little girl up out of her crib. "I bet you need a clean diaper," he said while laying the little girl on the changing table. He kept talking to her as he changed her "We are going to say goodbye to Mama today, but don't worry Mom and Dad are on the job. We love you so much. I know we are going to do things you don't like, but they will be for your own good. I'm going to tell you this a few million more times, but there will never ever be anything you can't tell your Mom or me. But do me a favor, could you please wait until you 15 or 16 before you want to date? I'm not sure I can handle boys. Of course, your Mom and I would be just fine if you like girls. It's just statistically you are more likely to like boys."
Just as Steve finished getting Joan dressed, Catherine came into the room holding the baby monitor. Steve stood there looking at her trying to figure out what to say. Joan squealed and reached for Catherine. Catherine took Joan in her arms and said "did you have a good talk with your Daddy? I think you did. He's absolutely right. We love you so much. I promise I'll try to keep your Daddy from going nuts when you want to date."
A few hours later a small group is gathered on the beach by the water. They take turns sharing memories about Mary. There is even a little laughter. When everyone who wanted to speak had spoken, Steve came to the front, holding an urn of ashes and spoke.
"Like most siblings Mary and I were not always the best of friends. One thing I liked about having her back in Hawaii was getting to know her again as an adult. Mary was pretty clear that she rejected a higher power, but she loved the ocean, so I think it's fitting that we scatter her ashes here."
Steve kicked off his shoes and waded into the water a bit and scattered the ashes.
"Aloha Mary," said Steve.
"Aloha Mary," said everyone else.
Steve sort of floated through the funeral lunch his friends organized. It's was very thoughtful. At some point, people started to leave, and the food got put away. Mick took Doris home with him and Chin drove Deb back to the hotel.
Danny came up to Steve and said "we are going to get this place ready for the wedding tomorrow. You and Catherine are going to go off and spend some time decompressing. Since you Steven are incapable of decompressing like a normal human, we thought you would like hiking to see the ancient stone graffiti. Since you are a danger magnet you will take a sat phone, but we don't expect to hear from you until dinner time."
"Thanks, Danny. I think that will be just the thing," said Steve.
"Uncle Steve, I'm so sorry about Aunt Mary," said Grace. "Can I give you a hug?"
Steve folded down and let Grace hug him saying "Thanks Gracie."
After everyone had left, Catherine came over to Steve and said "you look wiped out sailor, let's take a nap."
Steve was shocked to find himself agreeing is with Catherine. When he woke up a couple of hours later, he saw Catherine looking at him.
"Hi handsome," said Catherine.
"Hi beautiful," said Steve as he pulled Catherine to him. He started to kiss her and murmured "Help me feel alive, Cath."
After making love, they lay together and Steve asked "were the petroglyphs your idea?"
"Actually, Danny suggested them. He thought we could use the time together to decompress. He knows you pretty well," said Catherine.
"Yeah, he does. He's like a brother. A brother that I really think could use a girlfriend. He's getting cynical about women. What do you think about Danny and Becky?" asked Steve.
"I think it could work, but I think they'd never let us set them up," answered Catherine.
"Not set them up; just invite them both over or something and let them do the rest," said Steve.
"Sure. Now I am getting hungry and would like to take a shower. I'm not quite ready to face Maile with bed head and smelling of sex," said Catherine.
A little while later, a freshly showered Steve and Catherine came downstairs to find Maile putting together several plates of food, while Joan gnawed on banana bits.
"I thought you might be ready for dinner. Joan and I are."
"Sound great," said Catherine as she helped Maile finish up.
"Cath, Maile, I'm going to have a beer. Do either of you want one?" asked Steve.
"Yes," said Catherine.
"Um you know I'm only 20, Steve, right?" said Maile.
"I forgot that. I'd say it doesn't really matter, but I am a cop, so I probably shouldn't condone underage drinking," said Steve.
"I'll have a Fresca," said Maile grabbing one out of the fridge.
Three chatted over dinner. Steve thought it felt like a family dinner. Not that he felt even remotely close to old enough to have a 20 year old daughter, although it was technically possible.. Danny teased him for days about the fact that new seemed more disturbed by being "dad" to one of the sorority girls than part of a couple with Danny.
After dinner, Catherine went to put Joan to bed. She suggested Maile pick out a movie on Netflix and Steve do the dishes. Maile suggested House of Cards, which Steve thought was a good idea and helped him clear the table.
"So my Aunt Deb wants to spend time with Joan on Saturday and Sunday while Catherine and I are having a brief honeymoon. She's going to stay here. I was wondering if you were planning on being around Saturday and Sunday overnight? Aunt Deb is sick, and I'm not sure she'll wake up if Joan does so emergency back-up would be nice. But if you have plans we'll figure something else out," said Steve.
"Of course, where else would I be? I live here." asked Maile.
"Spending the night at your mom's place, with friends, or out on a date," said Steve.
"That's pretty unlikely to happen," said Maile.
"That's fine. But we don't expect you home on weekend nights unless we've made other arrangements. However, not to sound like your dad, but if you do decide to stay out could you text Catherine or me? It doesn't matter how late. It's probably too much time being a cop, but I'd feel better know you are out having fun and not stranded somewhere," said Steve.
"Sure, Steve, but it's really not likely to happen," answered Maile.
~~HW 5 0~~
Thursday, Steve and Catherine came home from their day out to find the house had been cleaned from top to bottom, Doris and Margaret cooking in the kitchen, and a huge pile of boxes in the living room.
"Mom, what's with all these boxes?" asked Catherine.
"Well, they are mostly addressed to Mr. and Mrs. McGarrett, so I assume they are wedding presents. Some of them are addressed to Joan McGarrett, so I assume they are baby presents," answered Margaret.
"Why don't we open them and then we can at least get rid of the boxes?" asked Steve.
So Catherine and Steve sat down and began to open the presents. Pretty soon they were surrounded by piles of stuff.
"Well, we don't have to buy another car seat, jogging stroller, or back pack," said Steve. "But what I don't understand is why your family sent us all this stuff for Joan?"
"It's instead of a baby shower because if you and Catherine had a baby or adopted a baby there would have been a shower. I tried to explain that you got Joan with all her stuff and didn't really need anything, but people really wanted to send something, so I tried to push them to stuff Catherine had mention wanting to get. I also tried to explain that I didn't think Catherine was changing her name, but that didn't sink in," answered Margaret.
"That's very generous," said Steve.
"I don't mind being a McGarrett socially, we just thought it would be better professionally, if I didn't change my name," added Catherine.
"I know the wedding presents probably aren't really you style, and I tried to tell people that you had two houses of stuff, but people really wanted to send things, so I guess they did. I'm pretty sure you can return the Bed, Bath, and Beyond stuff and Macy's stuff easily. You might just get store credit, but I'm sure can find things you can want and use over time," said Margaret.
"You know it might be worth your time to take an hour tomorrow and register somewhere like Crate and Barrel. Catherine, I can't imagine that my 1970s everyday dishes are really your style. They aren't even my style anymore," said Doris.
"I'll do whatever you want, Cath, I don't really have strong opinions about house stuff. I will start writing thank you notes though," said Steve.
"Doris, you raised him well," said Margaret.
"It wasn't me. I'm guessing Annapolis turned him into an officer and gentleman," said Doris.
Steve blushed and stammered "I read it somewhere once that it's a good way to become part of your new family. These things are mostly from people who knew Catherine, so I thought it would be good," said Steve.
"That's so sweet, Honey! I think we should take some time to register for some stuff. I think we might be able to do it online. Want to help me after dinner Mom and Doris?" said Catherine.
"Catherine, Steve, my sister is just called to say she's in town from Maui for the evening, and she wants to have dinner. Is that ok? Do you need me?" asked Maile
"Go, have fun, Maile," said Catherine.
Steve and Catherine had a quiet dinner with Joan and their mothers. While they were eating, Margaret said "I really like Maile. She's great with Joan and a sweet girl."
"I agree," said Doris. "She's a very responsible, but innocent 20 year old."
"I think she had to take on lots of responsibility kind of young. Her sister is a pro-surfer, which is how Kono knows her. Kono actually likes Maile more than her sister. I get the feeling that the step-father can be a piece of work. Kono thought Maile would be really good for us, but she told me she thought we'd be good for her, treat her like part of the family and be supportive. I meant to tell you this Steve, but things have been a little nuts." said Catherine.
"That's fine Cath. I guess that explains why she acted like it was a little nuts when I asked her to text one of us if she decided not come home some weekend night because I'd feel better if I knew she was out having fun and not stranded. And by stranded I meant dead. I've spent too much time having the roommates of young women tell me they just assumed she was out with friends."
"Steve also offered our under-aged Nanny beer the other day. She reminded him that he was a cop," said Catherine.
"Hey, I forgot how young she was. Besides, I find it a little strange that we can give her the authority to make emergency medical decisions for our daughter but that having a beer with Cath and me is out of the question," said Steve.
"Well, I think we know which SEAL team leader ignored under aged drinking on his team," said Catherine.
"Hey, I never knowingly let men under my command violate the laws of this country," said Steve.
"I think that's code for they did their drinking off base in countries with a lower drinking age when he had men under 21 on his team," said Catherine.
"I can neither confirm nor deny that," said Steve.
The women just laughed at him.
Later that evening, Steve was writing thank you notes. At the same time, Catherine and the mothers were looking at Crate and Barrel catalogs before starting an online registry. Joan was playing on her activity mat.
Just then Maile walked in.
"Hi Maile, how was dinner? Want to help me pick out wedding presents?" asked Catherine.
"Dinner was nice; it was good to see my sister. Are you sure you want my help? Shouldn't you and Steve be doing that?" asked Maile.
"Maile, Catherine does not want me to help pick out dishes, kitchen stuff or anything decorative. I'll look at the list before she hits send. I'll put Joan to bed and let you ladies pick out stuff for other people to buy us," said Steve.
He scooped up his daughter and started tickling her as he carried her up to bed. As Steve started up the stairs carrying Joan he said, "I know some people are going to insist on buying us stuff no matter what, but maybe we could suggest that people who really feel like that need to do something donate to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Fund or some other charity?" asked Steve.
"Of course," said Catherine.