AN: This is the final chapter. Thanks for all the support. I'd like to revisit the universe I've created, but every time I say that something happens. I may try some stand alone, but interconnected one shots.
Danny and Chin had finished setting up for Steve's bachelor party. They had the steaks marinating; the sides made, dessert, beer, and munchy stuff for cards. The guys were hanging out waiting for the other guests when Danny said "why does it look like a department store exploded in your front hallway?"
"Apparently, Catherine's extended family felt compelled to send us wedding gifts and baby gifts. The baby gifts were nice, but most of the wedding gifts are not stuff she likes, so she's going to return them. We had to register for stuff last night to stave off more of this stuff. If anyone asks you guys what we want for wedding gifts, please tell them we don't need anything. We have this house full of stuff, plus Catherine's place. If they insist maybe suggest a gift to a charity like the Navy-Marine Relief Fund or one of the conservation funds or something," said Steve.
"Steve, you just have to accept that people are going to buy you stuff. Malia and I tried to avoid it, but it didn't work. Although, I have to say that restaurant gift cards you guys bought us were great. It made for some nice nights out. So where did you register?" said Chin.
"Crate and Barrel. Doris, Margaret and Maile helped Catherine. It's fine stuff, but we really don't need it," said Steve.
"Wait, Steve, you didn't participate in registering for presents and you didn't sleep on the couch last night?" asked Danny.
"No, I wrote the thank you notes for the stuff we already got. Plus, Cath is cool. She doesn't confuse my thoughts on wedding gifts with my thoughts on our home or our marriage," said Steve.
"You have no idea how lucky you are, Steven," said Danny.
"Oh, believe me, I do," said Steve.
Steve's phone rang. He answered "McGarrett."
"Steve, it's Duke. Maile Mossman is your nanny right?"
"Yes, she is," answered Steve.
"Well, we just answered a domestic disturbance call at her mother's house and it's not the first. She got in between her mother and her stepfather trying to protect her mother, she got knocked to the floor. I think she has a mild concussion and will need some stitches. The paramedics are going to take her to Hawaii Medical Center. I think it would be good if you went to sit with her. We've arrested the step-father, but her mother is making noise that it is just an accident. She's also going to get checked out too, but I'm afraid she is going to talk Maile out of cooperating."
"Thanks, Duke. I'm on my way," said Steve hanging up.
"Guys that was Duke. Maile is headed to the ER at Hawaii Medical Center. She got hurt trying to break up a fight between her mom and her stepfather. They've arrested the stepfather, but Duke thinks her mother is going to talk her out of cooperating. The mother is already making noise that was an accident. I'm going to go sit with her and bring her home. Hopefully, I can convince her to cooperate. Can you guys watch Joan and start the party? Joan should be down for the night. This shouldn't take long."
"Of course Steve," said Chin.
"Go take care of Maile, we've got things here," said Danny.
"Thanks guys," said Steve grabbing his badge and heading out the door.
Steve was fuming while he drove. He knew domestic violence was complicated, but he couldn't believe Maile's mother wasn't going to stand up for her. He quickly made it to the ER and found Maile sitting in a curtained cubicle.
"Steve, what are you doing here?" asked Maile
"HPD knew you were our nanny, so I got a call. I wanted to make sure you are ok and take you home," said Steve.
"You didn't need to do that. I'm fine. They glued the cut so it won't scar, and I'm waiting to find about the CT scan. They think I have a mild concussion. It was just an accident," said Maile.
"Maile, a concussion is a big deal and it wasn't an accident. I know it is not the first time the police have responded there. When they discharge you, let me take you home. Chin or Danny can take your statement. I know it's hard, but it might help convince your mother how wrong things are," said Steve.
"You are right, but what if my mother won't talk to me anymore? She was so mad at me. She says I set my stepfather off," said Maile with a quivering lip.
"I don't know, but you didn't do anything wrong. You don't deserve this. It's not safe for you to go there. Your mom is welcome at our house and if she doesn't want you to be safe maybe you need some space from her? You've got Kono, Catherine, and I. You aren't going to be alone. Will you try?" asked Steve.
"I'll try, Steve," said Maile.
Just then the doctor came in. "Well, Ms Mossman, you have a moderate concussion. Someone will need to keep an eye on your for awhile. If you have someone responsible to stay with you, we will release you soon."
"Maile will stay with my wife and I. I'm a trained Navy field medic and my father-in-law is visiting, he's a Navy doctor. Are we responsible enough?" asked Steve somewhat sarcastically.
"I'm sorry Commander McGarrett," said the doctor "I thought you were here in a law enforcement capacity not a personal one. You certainly are responsible enough. Maile a nurse will be in soon with your discharge instructions. You can put your clothes back on."
"I'm going to go check on your mother," says Steve.
As Steve waited to find out where Maile's mother was he tried to think about what he would say. He was very surprised to find out that she had already been discharged and hadn't come to check on her daughter. He wasn't sure what to do with that bit of information, so he decided to call Catherine.
After Steve talked Catherine out of abandoning her evening, they talked through what to tell Maile. They decided just to be honest with Maile and tell her mom had left, and they weren't sure where she went. Hopefully, her mother would make contact with the girl soon. They would do their best to be supportive of Maile.
When Steve got back to Maile's cubicle, she was dressed and waiting for her discharge papers. Just as Steve was about to tell Maile that her mother was gone, the nurse came in and went over the discharge instructions. Steve assured the nurse that he had experience with concussions.
After they were in the car Maile said, "You haven't mentioned my mother, so I guess it's not good."
"She had already been released and they didn't have any other information. If she was released she is physically fine," said Steve.
"But she didn't want to see me," says Maile
"I don't know why she didn't come to see you. Maybe you should try to call her tomorrow. Whatever she did, none of this is your fault. And you do have people who care about you. Catherine and I will do whatever we can to support you," said Steve.
"Thanks Steve," said Maile. They rode the rest of the way home in silence.
When Steve and Maile got home, Bill Rollins met them at the door and asked about Maile's prognosis. He sent her up to her room to rest and promised that they would bring her up some dinner soon. She smiled at both the men and headed up to her room.
After Maile was out of ear shot, Bill said "I thought she might not be comfortable in a whole room of men drinking. I'll bring her some dinner and check on her in a little bit."
"Thanks Bill," said Steve.
Steve apologized for missing the arrival of his guests and joined them waiting for Danny to finish grilling the steaks. Both Chin and Danny pulled him aside to ask about Maile. Steve was pretty sure that Maile had just been adopted into the 5-0 ohana. Chin agreed to take her statement before they ate.
As they settled down to eat Danny started to speak "Steve was pretty closed mouth about his love life from the beginning, but in hindsight I should have realized that he was seriously involved whether or not he would admit it because he was completely oblivious to any and all attention from women. Then we met Catherine, and I understood why."
Joe White said "John McGarrett was a good friend of mine, so I've known Steve his whole life. His father was always proud of him, but he would be so proud to see Steve today, both because of his professional success and in his personal life. Catherine is everything he would want in a daughter-in-law. In fact, when I told John about the smart, pretty officer challenging his son, he thought it sounded promising. He also would have loved being a grandfather. While he would have expected nothing less, he would be so pleased to see how you have stepped up to be a father for Joan. I wish the best of luck to you and Catherine."
"Several friends told me how hard it is to watch your little girl gets married. And while I do wonder where the time went because it seems like just yesterday that Catherine was in elementary school, I'm not finding it hard at all. Steve, you've made it very clear that you respect Catherine and want to be her partner in life, which is what I've always wanted for her. Plus, we are getting an adorable little granddaughter out of the deal," said Bill.
Several other guests shared stories about Steve and Catherine. All of them were light hearted and fun.
Bill Rollins put together a plate and went upstairs to check on Maile. He knocked on the door, saying "Maile, I've got dinner. Can I come in?
"Yes," said Maile in a soft voice.-
"How are you doing Maile?" asked Bill.
"I'm fine," said Maile.
"Well, you have a moderate concussion, so I doubt that. Just let me do a quick check and then why don't you try to eat some dinner?" said Bill setting the tray he brought up on the night stand.
Bill did a quick neuro status exam, and said "You look good. Someone will be back to check on you in a couple of hours. Call us if you start to feel worse."
~~HW 5 0~~
Meanwhile, Catherine, Kono, Margaret, Doris, and Becky were enjoying some pampering. Kono had arranged for a spa night at her home, and her Aunties had helped her prepare an excellent meal as a gift to Catherine.
During the pampering, the women urged Doris to tell stories about Steve as a child. Doris decides to oblige.
"Steve loved the water from the beginning. A bath or a dip in the ocean was the best way to calm him down as an infant. He would splash around and play, but was always calmer and much easier to put to bed. He hated being rocked to sleep. He'd finish nursing and the fuss wanting to be put down to fall asleep on his own. He didn't like sleeping in someone's arms," said Doris.
"Well that hasn't changed," said Catherine. "Steve still swims to clear his head when he is stressed or needs time to think. Also, he is very affectionate and attentive, but when it comes to sleeping he does not like to be touching. We both like to stay on our own sides of the bed for sleeping."
"That doesn't surprise me," said Margaret. "Catherine was the same way. She liked to rock, but always made it clear when she was ready to be put down to go to sleep."
"Doris, tell me more about Steve as kid," asked Catherine. "Was he really a Boy Scout? Was he a smart-alec?"
"Oh my, did Steve ever have a smart mouth, at least with John and me. He mostly managed to keep it under control at school, but that boy could push our buttons. He spent plenty of time in his room because of that mouth. I would not have guessed my son would ever be so good at following orders. He was a Boy Scout. He loved the outdoor stuff. I was a Den Mother when he was a cub scout. He was so cute in his little uniform in kindergarten."
"Catherine was adorable in her little Daisy Scout uniform, but I felt like I was losing my little girl. She didn't have much of a smart mouth, but she was headstrong. She would not give up once she wanted something. She locked horns with her father more than a few times," said Margaret.
"Catherine, you make Steve so happy and you are everything I could want in daughter-in-law. You two will be true partners. You've taken to being a mother so easily, and you clearly couldn't love Joan more. I appreciate that you are making an effort for her to know about Mary," said Doris.
"I know what it is like to be thrown into motherhood all at once, and it's a challenge, but you are doing so well. Mary would be so happy to know that you are helping Steve raise Joan," said Deb.
"Thank you so much," said Catherine. "I hope I can live up to the vision you have of me."
~~HW 5 0~~
The poker game has wrapped-up, and Bill was the last to leave. He had been doing one final check on Maile.
"Steve, I think Maile will be fine. To be sure you probably want to check on her once more. I suggested she leave her door cracked open so you can peak in. Please call me if you have any questions no matter what time," said Bill.
"Thanks Bill. I really appreciate your help and everything you said earlier. I want to do my best to be a good husband to Catherine and a good father to Joan," said.
Bill hugged Steve and said "Welcome to the family son."
Bill left, and Steve sat down on the couch. He thought about how lucky he was. Really, really lucky. He felt like he was getting close to the life he would have had if his mother had never faked her death and his father never sent him away.
~~HW 5 0~~
Steve woke to the sound of the shower running. He was surprised that Catherine was up before him. Usually, it was the other way around. He put on a shirt and went to check on Maile and Joan. When he stuck his head in Maile's room, he could see her stir and talk in her sleep and decided that meant she was ok. Joan was babbling to herself in the crib. He picked up is daughter changed her and dressed in her in little sun suit. He was somewhat surprised to see his suit, shoes, and shaving kit lying out on the twin bed they kept in Joan's room. He realized he shouldn't be surprised that he was being kicked out of the master suite so it could be taken over by the bride and her attendants.
Steve was pouring some Cheerios on Joan's high chair tray when the doorbell started ringing. First it was Doris and Danny both arriving to help supervise the set-up for the wedding. Then Becky and Kono with what seemed to Steve like enough bags for a week of travel. While he realized that he was getting off easy, he still kind of wished that Catherine had gone for boardies and slippers and burgers on the grill.
~~HW 5 0~~
Chin and Danny were acting as ushers. Steve had been banished to the house until it was time for the wedding to start. He was starting to get anxious. Not about marrying Catherine, just about the wedding itself and a little about how Catherine would react to his honeymoon plan. He had booked them a room at the Manoa Valley Inn and arranged for them to check-in as soon as they could leave the reception and stay until just before dinner on Sunday. It was a lovely place, with great outdoor space, easy access to the arboretum; he had made them dinner reservations, but romantic getaways had never been something he planned. He was fairly certain that he didn't really need to plan activities for the honeymoon that required them leaving the bedroom, but it seemed presumptuous to assume they wouldn't. They'd done it before but only when he and Catherine hadn't seen each other for months at a time. He stood and fiddled with the lei. Then Danny came to get him.
Steve stood on the beach in front of the Chaplin with Danny and Chin beside him. Catherine was walking down the "aisle" on her father's arm looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her in a simple white sundress with some ruffles around the neck and at the hem. Her hair was up, and she was wearing a lovely lei. Becky, Kono, and Grace followed her looking lovely in blue, even though Kono limped some walking up the aisle. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. For a brief moment, he wished Freddy was there to see that it was indeed the real deal, and he hadn't screwed it up.
For her part, Catherine was thinking that she had never seen Steve look so handsome; they had come a long way from San Diego, and she was so happy to think about where they were going next. She loved him so very much.
The Chaplin did a short reading; spoke about the commitment Steve and Catherine were making, and then had them repeat their vows. It took no more than 20 minutes. When the Chaplin told them to kiss, they did and it was like something entirely new. Neither one really felt like the ceremony would change anything, but they both felt a spark of something different. Apparently, voicing the commitment really did matter. The guests cheered.
The receiving line was a little bit of a blur for Steve. He wasn't sure he had that many hugs in the previous thirty-seven years of his life. At the moment, he was trying to hug guests, shake hands, and keep Joan from eating his lei. She decided she wanted her daddy to hold her. It was kind of mind blowing to Steve that he had a wife, a daughter, a house and two sensible family cars. He was thrilled, but also realized that even two years ago this was the farthest thing from his mind.
Catherine was happier than she had ever been in her life. She was surrounded by her family; she had just married the man she'd loved for years, and it was just what she wanted. While she had always liked kids and had always wanted kids, she never thought of herself as a baby person, but watching her husband try to keep his lei out of her daughter's mouth made her heart melt in a way she hadn't known was possible.
~~HW 5 0~~
The reception was very relaxed. There was good food and everyone mingled. Catherine and Steve both felt like they got to talk to their guests. They purposefully avoid formal toasts. Catherine was pleased to notice that Becky and Danny spent a decent amount of time talking. She thought her friends would hit it off if given the chance.
Becky managed to get Catherine alone for a minute and said "How have I never noticed Danny Williams before? He seems like a good guy. Is he seeing anyone?"
"He is a good guy. As far as I know he's not seeing anyone. I think you two might have lots in common" said Catherine.
At the same time, Danny was asking Steve about Becky. "Cath's friend seems interesting. What's her story?" asked Danny.
"They've been friends a long time. Becky actually hasn't been stationed at Pearl that long, so I don't know her that well, but she's one of Cath's best friends. She a great surfer and has a wicked sense of humor. You should ask her to coffee. Or Cath and I can have you both over for some kind of low key dinner," said Steve.
"We'll see," said Danny noncommittally.
Later Aunt Deb caught Steve and said "I'm going to pack you two some food, then if you don't feel like leaving your room to go to dinner, you don't have to. I'll leave it in the car."
"Thanks Aunt Deb," said Steve.
Soon after, Catherine walked over to Steve and said very softly "let's get out of here Commander, I really, really want to get you out of that suit and consummate this marriage."
"I love the way you think, Lieutenant," said Steve.
After last minute instructions to Aunt Deb and Maile, Steve and Catherine were about to get on their way. When Steve handed Joan off to Aunt Deb, she started to cry. Steve gave Catherine a pained look. Before he could speak, Catherine said "Joan will be fine Steve. She's not going on our honeymoon with us. But you're a good dad."
Very soon Steve and Catherine leaving in the Stingray, which Danny had Chin had decorated with streamers and a "Just Married" sign.
"So where are you taking me?" asked Catherine.
"I've booked the Dillingham Room at the Manoa Valley Inn. I arranged for us to be able to check in now and not have to check out until five pm tomorrow. I made dinner reservations for tonight, but Aunt Deb also apparently packed us a picnic we could have for dinner. There are nice grounds with waterfall pool; we are close to the arboretum, or we don't have to do anything," said Steve.
"That sounds wonderful Steve. Why don't we kind of play things by ear? Right now I'm just looking forward to having some time alone with my husband. I don't think we'll have any problems finding anything to do," said Catherine with a smile.
"Good. That sounds good. I didn't want to plan too much, but I didn't want to be presumptuous," said Steve.
Catherine heard a note of insecurity in her news husband's voice; she kind of wanted to tease him about being a pretty sure thing, but given how hard it was for Steve to be vulnerable, so she didn't want to be at all critical. So she answered "Steve, I'm looking forward to having some down time together. It sounds just perfect."
~~HW 5 0~~
Catherine reluctantly got out of bed to use the bathroom, on her way back from the bathroom, she stopped to pick up her dress and Steve's suit to hang them up.
"So I get a ring on your finger, Mrs. McGarrett and all of a sudden you are cleaning up after me?" said Steve coming up from behind Catherine, nuzzling her and taking his clothes out of her hands and hanging them up himself. "I kind of like it, but maybe if I help out, I can get you to come back to bed with me."
Back in bed, Catherine cuddled up with Steve; enjoying being close to him with no reason to move and no place they had to be. "Today was perfect. It was really everything I would have wanted in a wedding even if we had, had lots more time to plan it. I've always loved you in your service dress blues, but I have to say I'm becoming attached to you in a civilian suit."
"Thank you, but I'm pretty sure no one else was looking at me. You looked gorgeous, radiant in fact. Since cammies would have been inappropriate, I'm glad you wore a white sundress. Although, I like you best like this, naked in bed with me," said Steve smirking.
"Steve, only you would find cammies sexy. I'm not sure there is a less sexy outfit possible. I kind of wonder what Annapolis did to that adolescent brain of yours. But I like you naked in bed too." Catherine emphasized that statement by kissing her husband.
~~HW 5 0~~
"Well, back to our real life," said Catherine as Steve pulled into the driveway.
"Yeah, but it's a pretty good one," said Steve.
"Yes, it is," answered Catherine.
Steve knew they had plenty of challenges to handle going forward, but was excited about his new life as a family man.