Steve called Carson once they arrived at the Hilton and then the Hotel Manager escorted them to a conference room where the large group could meet and mingle.

The men had met all of Tony's family at the wedding but the SDPD Officers had not come to Hawaii for the event. It was heartbreaking to talk to Ken and Carmen Reddick and Tony's brother's Carson, Jay and David.
Carson and Jay were both Marines and David...Tony's younger brother, had followed his lead and he had now been a SEAL for nine months.

Danny looked around at the faces of the men in the room and what he saw amazed him.
Marines and SEALs, as well as Police Officers accept that death could be their fate or the fate of their partner's and friends on any given day. But they're human and even though they accept this possibility every day, they mourn their losses deeply. In fact, men in these positions tend to have a greater respect for human life because they, unfortunately, see every day just how fragile life truly is. And because of the risks they face daily the love and admiration the men share for each other is undeniable. They rely on each other every day, they have each others backs. They would all take a bullet for each other...without hesitation, and every time one of them dies the others naturally ask the question 'why not me?' And then he looked at the women, the rocks that steadied these strong men that they loved. Many times they could not even be told of the true dangers their husbands faced, but in their hearts, they knew. Yet they hid their fears and accepted the life of unknown dangers, not letting their men see their moments of weakness when they cried and prayed to God that he keep them safe. Every morning they smiled as they kissed their husbands goodbye and they offered loving encouragement praying that he would return at the end of the day, or the mission, unscathed. And when things went wrong, it was the woman who would hold the family together. Now his dear beloved Kono faced this horrific loss and it broke his heart to think of the pain she was feeling, but he knew that she was one of those strong women and she would survive.

Carson had been working with Chin on the reviewal and funeral arrangements and Steve let him know about Kono's request to see Tony in the morning. It was agreed that Steve and Carson, along with Ken Reddick would escort her to the morgue in the morning. The reviewal was set for the day after tomorrow with the funeral the following morning.

The group visited and Carson's oldest daughter, eight year old Jordyn shyly confronted Danny, "Do you think that maybe Gracie can come visit and swim with us?"
"I'm sure she would love that Jordyn, I'll check into it okay?"
The two little girls had hit it off at the wedding and had danced all night long. Since then, they had become pen pals and Danny was quite certain a lifelong friendship had formed.

Carson had four children, Jordyn, two boys, Kenny age six and Michael age four and then a one year old daughter, Samantha. Jay was the father of three year old twins, Jennifer and Joshua. The children kept everyone on their toes and both Steve and Danny drew comfort in the fact that Steven would grow up with the love and support of a wonderfully supportive extended family.

They visited for a couple of hours before a small group, Steve, Tony's parents, and Carson and his wife Jane left to go see Kono. The Governor had provided the two vans to the family for the duration of their stay on the Island. Danny and Jamar stayed with the others at the Hilton and they all made their way down to poolside tables. Danny had called Rachel and she was bringing Gracie to the Hotel and she would hang with her Daddy the rest of the day. Danny, Gracie and Jamar would then crash at Steve's for the night.

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When Steve arrived back at the hospital with the others, they found Kono doing well...until she saw Tony's family. They all moved to the bedside and tearfully exchanged hugs and kisses with her and the baby also greeting her parents. Steve stood to the side and watched. She was doing well, she really was...but he knew there were going to be many times in the upcoming weeks and months when she would falter and he would be there for her, to help her pick up the pieces of her shattered life. All he could think about right now was how he was going to get her through tomorrow, and then the next two days...he prayed for strength as he watched her and tears slid down his cheeks.

They all had a good visit under the circumstances and this was the first time they had all seen Steven since he was three weeks old. Kono and Tony had flown to San Diego and stayed to visit for two weeks right after the boy was born and they were all thrilled to see him again. They all commented on how much he looked like Tony, a perfect little 'Asian' version of their beautiful son and brother.

The group stayed until dinner was brought in for Kono and then they left to return to the hotel, and Kono's parents also left taking Steven with them so that both Kono and Steve would be able to get a good nights rest.

She nibbled on her food as she chatted with Steve. After dinner, he helped her up and the took a walk down the hallway and back. As they were close to her room on the return walk she staggered slightly and he puled her closer allowing her to lean against his strong frame. "Are you alright honey?"
"I'm good Steve...just a little dizzy"
"Do you want me to carry you?"
"No, no...I'm fine...I just need a minute okay?"
She tipped her head back against his shoulder and he held onto her firmly as her body quivered.
A couple of minutes passed before she opened her eyes and smiling weakly, she said "Let's go"
He grinned back at her, "Alright, no rush now...I've got you. You're doing great kid"

They were sitting quietly watching television when a Nurse came in an hour later asking if Kono would like to go take a shower. "Oh my that sounds wonderful"
Steve added, "I think that's a definite yes"
Steve helped the Nurse get her into the bathroom and then he went down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat.

She was settled back in bed when he returned, "Sorry it took me so long"
"Steve, it's fine. I can be alone"
"Well I'm not saying you can't be alone, but you don't need to be alone...how do you feel?"
"It's amazing what a good shower can do for you. I'm good, just a bit sore"
"I'm sure you're pretty tired as well. It's been a busy day"
"Yes, I am"
"Well the visitors are done for the day. I've talked to everyone and they're all going to get some rest for the night. Danny even has Gracie and she's been swimming with you're nieces and nephews at the Hilton"

She smiled, "Good...I'm glad he could get them together. Jordyn loves Gracie. Steve, you should go home and get some sleep too. I'm sure you're exhausted"

"I'm not going anywhere sweetheart. I'll be right in that bed over there and if you need me you just holler or throw something at me okay?"
"Thank you Boss"
"I'm not your Boss...I'm your friend"
"And I couldn't ask for a better one...I love you"
"I love you too Kono. Why don't you let me give you some pain meds, they'll help you sleep"
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea"
Steve reached up opening the IV drip and then he kissed her forehead speaking softly, "Sleep now Kono, I'll be right here"
She closed her eyes and in minutes the drugs took her under. Steve took one of his anti-inflammatories and then curling up on the other bed and facing her, he too soon fell asleep.

***** I hope you're still enjoying. The next, and FINAL chapter should be done this weekend; I promise an emotional ride at the end and hope you'll let me know what you think - Thanks for reading and reviewing, I appreciate it *****