***** I know this story has become a 'novel' and I do understand some people's frustration with its length. I can only say that when an idea plays out in your head and you start putting it onto pages, sometimes the length surprises you. I don't like leaving any loose ends and this story has included lots of 'tying up' - I can tell you that the end is coming soon ! I thank you for reading and I do truly appreciate any and all comments *****
Steve slept almost three hours and before joining the others he called and talked to both Chin and Kono. He was very relieved to hear Kono's voice which sounded much stronger today.
Stepping out onto the deck his attention was drawn instantly to the sounds of delight coming from the children. Catherine, Danny, his sisters and their husbands had joined the older kids in a game of kickball on the lawn. Maggie and Rachel were sitting with Charlie and two year old Dustin in the sandbox playing with Danny and Matt's old Tonka trucks.
Bob was leaning on the railing of the deck observing all this as Steve moved next to him.
Bob turned his head towards him, "How are you feeling Steve?"
"I'm fine Bob"
"Danny told us everything. I don't know what to say Steve…I'm so sorry you're going through all this pain"
"Bob, I can handle the physical pain. I wish to God that I could have done more...…..I would have died to save Matt"
"I know you would have Steve, I don't doubt that at all"
The men were quiet for several seconds. Steve sighed, "Telling Danny that Matt was dead and watching you all go through this has been terribly difficult"
"Steve, hearing what you went through trying to help Matt and knowing what you do for Danny and Grace every day is very humbling. Thank you for always being there for Danny, my family is forever in your debt"
Steve was silent for several seconds before he stated softly, "Trust me Sir, Danny and Gracie do more for me every day than I could ever possibly do for them. They're my family…..…you're all my family"
"I'm glad to hear you say that Steve because we all love you very much. You ARE family"
Steve smiled at the man saying simply, "Thank You"
As if the SEAL needed even more assurance, Gracie came running up onto the deck flinging her arms around his waist hugging him tightly. "Hi Uncle Steve"
"Hi baby, it looks like you're having a lot of fun. Is Danno very good?"
"He's not as good as Auntie Melissa or Catherine"
Steve made a funny face as he answered, "You better not tell him that"
She giggled and then hugged her Grandpa, "Hi Grandpa"
"Hello muchkin. Are you done playing?"
"No, I just have to get some water" As she turned to enter the house she called out, "Do you want one Grandpa? Steve?"
Bob responded, "Not me. Steve?"
He turned and smiled at the child, "Yes please Gracie, that would be great. Thank You"
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Over the next two days they supported each other through what was the hardest thing for any family to endure. Burying a young, strong, healthy family member is torturous. Danny was there for his parents, his sister and his daughter… and Steve was there for him. If Danny knew the depth of trouble his partner was in he would have been terrified. Steve was now taking two to three pain pills every five to six hours and he wasn't sleeping more than four hours a night. His nightmares about his lost friends had now taken over his waking moments as well…..and the pain, oh God the pain was unbearable. He just had to get through these days for Danny. Once they were back home, he would stop taking the pills…..after this was over.
The morning after the funeral Danny drove Steve and Catherine to the airport. He waited in the car as Steve took her into the terminal to send her off. They stood by the window overlooking the runway holding onto each other.
He spoke softly, "Thank you baby. Thank you for being here for me and for Danny"
Tears fell from her eyes as she responded, "Steve, I don't want to go…..I don't want to leave you"
"I don't want you to leave either. But we have no choice in the matter, do we? You'll be home soon"
"No, no I won't be…not for six months. Six long months"
"And just think, in six months I'll be able to take some time off and we can get away. Go somewhere like…..maybe a cruise?"
They both chuckled at the thought. After six months on a ship, Cath wouldn't even want to LOOK at water!
"Funny baby….real funny"
"Okay, maybe we can go somewhere hot and dry"
"After six months I would just as soon we check into a hotel and not leave the room for a week"
Steve grinned, asking slyly, "And what would we do with a whole week alone?"
She smiled and leaning in she kissed him passionately. As their lips parted, he said seductively, "Oh…..okay…..a week huh?"
She responded breathlessly, "Yes...oh Steve, please take care of yourself"
"I will…..you too" He paused briefly before adding emotionally, "Cath, I love you with all my heart. Please don't ever forget that"
"I love you too"
The final boarding announcement played overhead and after sharing one final kiss, Cath picked up her bag and moved to the gate. Before walking down the ramp, she turned, and smiling she blew him a kiss and then disappeared from view.
Steve stood staring at the now empty ramp for several minutes before sitting down. He sat with his elbows on his knees and burying his face into his hands, Steve cried. He was shaking as he mind raced, 'What's wrong with me?…Jesus Christ what's wrong with me? I can't see Cath in six months, I can't. All these years, that beautiful, loving woman has stood by me. She loves me even with all my trust and commitment issues. I've been so unfair to her…she deserves so much better' He didn't want to keep Danny waiting any longer so he started his walk from the terminal. This was their last day in Jersey and Rachel and the kids were going to take him to the Jersey Shore so Danny could talk to his parents about his renewed relationship with Rachel.
As he entered the car Danny looked at him, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah…."
It was obvious to Danny that his partner was NOT 'okay' but he also knew the man well enough to know that now was not the time to talk about it either. They drove in silence for several miles before Danny spoke, "Hey, I talked to Chin and Kono while you were inside. She's doing a lot better today and they're going to remove the chest tube"
Steve turned to face him, "That's fantastic"
"So I figure we should be able to fly to San Diego tomorrow"
"Sounds good partner"
"Hey buddy. I want you to know how much I appreciate you and Catherine being with me through this"
Steve spoke softly while staring straight ahead "Danny…...you drive me crazy brother but I want you to know that you've changed my life and I love you"
Danny noted the solemn demeanor of his friend and as he glanced over he now saw what Chin and Rachel had noticed, Steve was not only hurting physically but he was clearly depressed. Knowing he was going to have to watch Steve even more closely he replied, "I love you too Steve"
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When the men arrived back at the house, Maggie and Rachel had prepared a fantastic brunch.
As they all visited and ate, Danny kept glancing at Steve. His partner was socializing and smiling when addressed but he did see it, the sadness in his usually bright eyes. He also twice caught Steve grimacing as his body was still wracked with pains.
After eating, Steve helped Rachel get Charlie into the car while Danny talked to Gracie.
"Why can't you come with us Danno?"
"Because Monkey, I need to talk to Grandma and Grandpa"
"Is everything okay Daddy?"
"Everything is fine baby I promise. I need you to do me a huge favor though okay?"
"Uh..huh… what is it?"
"I need you to HAVE FUN, and I need you to watch your Uncle Steve and make sure he has fun. Can you do that for me?"
"That's it?"
"Yes….that's it"
"That's easy Danno!"
"You think watching Uncle Steve is easy?"
The little girl giggled, "You're so silly Daddy"
He pulled her into an embrace, "You're my silly little Monkey and I love you" He kissed her forehead and after hugging her he again said, "Have fun" She then turned and ran outside followed by her Daddy and Grandparents.
As Rachel pulled from the driveway the others walked to the backyard and sat in lawn chairs.
Maggie spoke first, "Danny, its' been so great to see you. I've missed you and Gracie so much" Before he could say anything, she added "And Rachel is as beautiful as ever. It was so nice of her to come, and that son of hers is a little angel"
Danny smiled at his parents, "Mom…there's been some, ummm changes"
"What are you talking about son?"
"Rachel is divorcing Stan…and we're back together"
Bob Williams was smiling as Danny's attention stayed on his Mother, "Danny….."
"Mom, what? Aren't you happy for me? For us, and for Gracie?"
"That's not it sweetheart. I just don't want to see you get hurt again"
"Mom, I love her. I never stopped loving her. She loves me too, it just took her a while to realize it. We're happy! All of us, including Gracie. I need you to be happy for us Mom"
He reached out and took her hands in his and she smiled at him, "I'm happy for you son. I'm very happy for you"
They both stood and embraced while exchanging 'I love you's'.
Bob also stood and embraced his son, "I love you son. When did this happen?"
"She's had her doubts about her marriage for a while Dad but she was trying to make it work, for the kids"
"Danny, your Mom and I love you very much and we don't want to see you hurt. We watched you suffer through the divorce and her re-marriage. Please understand that all we want for you is peace, love and happiness and if you're sure about this then we'll support you all the way and we couldn't be happier for you"
Danny smiled, "Thank you both, your blessing means everything to us"
Maggie responded, "And you have it son, both of you. We've always loved Rachel"
"I know you have Mom"
She then asked 'THE' question, "What about Charlie?"
Danny's smile said as much as his words, as he said, "What about him? He's part of the package deal, let's just say he's a bonus. You said it yourself, he's an angel. He a wonderful little boy and I love him dearly. Stan is being really decent about everything….we're going to make this work" He hated not telling them that Charlie may be his, but he couldn't. He couldn't play with her heart like this. If they found out Charlie was his, then and only then would he tell them.
A couple of hours later Danny's sisters and their families joined them at the house and by the time Rachel, Steve and the kids returned from the shore the entire Williams family was celebrating the re-uniting of Danny and Rachel.
They arrived with a special treat for Danny. Gracie handed him a brown paper sack as he asked, "What's this?"
His daughter responded, "A present from Uncle Steve"
Opening up the bag his eyes lit up, "Oh partner, you're the best!"
Everyone smiled and laughed at Danny's joy over an authentic New Jersey Italian Hot Dog!
The rest of the day was wonderful and after emotional goodbyes to Danny's siblings they all turned in for the night at a little after ten o'clock. Steve had arranged for the private plane to leave at ten the next morning and as he pulled the covers up over him his mind was filled with the anticipation of seeing Emily tomorrow.
******* More to follow as Steve searches for closure. I hope you're still enjoying ! *******