Steve was awakened by a soft moan coming from Shauni that sounded almost like a whimper. He opened his eyes and observed her brows creased and a frown on her face. She moaned again and moved her head from side to side as if trying to shake away whatever images were distressing her.

A bad dream, Steve realized.

He reached a hand up to stroke her cheek softly, "Shauni, wake up. You're having a bad dream."

Instead of waking, she started mumbling, "No….please no…..Leave me alone….."

Steve propped himself up and tried to gently shake her awake, "Shauni, honey, wake up. You're having a bad dream."

Her eyes suddenly opened and confusion filled her eyes before she realized she was safe…..in Steve's bed. She looked up at him apologetically, "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

"Don't worry about it. What were you dreaming?"

"I dreamt that Carl was out of jail and coming after me again. I was alone…I tried to find you, but didn't know where you were…..and he just kept getting closer….."

Steve pulled her into his arms, "Shhh, it's okay. It was just a dream and you're safe with me. Carl won't ever get to you again. I promise."

Shauni eventually drifted back to sleep feeling completely safe in the security of Steve's arms.

******h50***************h50*********h50

As usual, Steve woke up early. He had been a morning person since his years in the Navy because it was a necessity so he rarely slept in anymore. However, this morning, instead of going out for typical morning run or swim, he decided to stay in bed and watch Shauni sleeping. After all, they'd both burned their share of calories yesterday in the best form of exercise possible. He gently pushed away a strand of hair that had fallen over her face so he could study her features.

Shauni could sense him watching her. Without opening her eyes, she whispered, "Why are you watching me?"

She heard his soft chuckle. "Because you're gorgeous….and you look so happy."

Her eyes fluttered open, "That's because you gave me the best day of my life. AND the best night. Well, with the exception of that dream. The rest of it was pretty fantastic." Her cheeks flushed at the admission but his answering smile warmed her body from head to toe.

"We can have more days and nights like that," Steve promised before he leaned down to kiss her, "But right now we need to get ready. Mary and Joanie should be here in about an hour."

"So let me sleep another 30 minutes. You wore me out last night, Commander McGarrett," she pouted before closing her eyes and snuggling into the pillow again.

"Okay, but I was going to see if you wanted to join me in the shower before we go. You go ahead and sleep, though. I'll wake you up when I get out." Steve swatted her ass playfully as he got out of bed and started walking towards the bathroom.

Shauni's eyes flew open. She was suddenly wide awake as she watched his exquisitely toned physique leaving. The man was insatiable, but she had to admit to feeling the same way after spending the previous night with him. It was doubtful she would ever tire of him and no one had ever made her feel so wanted, so treasured, and so completely in love.

Dammit, where did that come from? Shauni scolded herself. Oh well, no time to worry about that now. Watching him strut towards the bathroom was all the incentive she needed to jump out of bed and follow quickly behind.

**********h50*************h50***************h50

Mary and Joanie arrived right on time and the foursome made their way back to Kamekona's shrimp truck in the jeep. Then, Kame flew them back to the house the Steele's were renting. The conversation was pleasant and Mary was fascinated with how tranquil her brother seemed to be. He was normally wound so tight he could practically explode. This morning, however, Steve seemed calm, happy and laid back just like yesterday when she'd had the shock of walking into their house and finding Shauni Steele in their kitchen. Mary also couldn't ignore the looks being shared between Shauni and Steve. At one point during their flight, Steve caught Mary looking at him and they shared a knowing smile. She was happy for him and excited for the day ahead even though the prospect of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Derek Steels made her a bit nervous.

Once they were back at the house, they said their "goodbyes and thank you's" to Kame before exiting the helo. Shauni had called her parents the night before to let them know, much to their delight, that Steve's sister and niece would be joining them for the day. As expected, her mother was the perfect hostess and was figuratively rolling out the red carpet for their guests. Olivia watched from the kitchen as Steve carried Joanie in one arm and walked hand-in-hand with Shauni towards the house. Her heart let out a contented sigh. It was like a preview of what she hoped her daughters would have one day when the time was right: A man to love them and babies of their own. Since Shauni and Steve apparently weren't trying to hide their connection to each other anymore, it was obvious something had shifted yesterday.

"Well, it's about time." Olivia heard Sasha exclaim as she walked up beside her to look out the window.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh come on, Momma. Those two have been dancing around each other for days. I mean the sexual tension was enough to make all of us practically spontaneously combust…Not to mention, horny."

Olivia playfully chided her daughter even though she couldn't hide her grin, "Sasha Michelle!"

"Seriously. I don't think I've ever seen that kind of chemistry. Except with you and Daddy….but that kinda grosses me out." She kissed her mother's cheek, "Anyway, maybe things will be a little calmer between them now."

Both women laughed as Steve, Shauni, Mary, and Joanie made their way into the house.

Shauni was introducing Mary to her mom and Sasha as Derek walked into the room to join them. Mary suddenly found it impossible to speak.

Shauni sensed the familiar hesitation and tried to ease Mary's nerves at meeting her famous dad. "Daddy, this is Steve's sister, Mary, and her daughter, Joanie."

Derek reached out to shake her hand, "It's wonderful to meet you, Mary. We're very happy you could be here today."

Steve was amused by the muteness suddenly afflicting his sister, and Joanie seemed to decide it was a great time to "break the ice" as only a toddler can do: She reached for Derek who eagerly took her from Steve amidst the surprised looks from him and Mary.

"And you too, Miss Joanie," Derek told her, " We're going to have fun today!"

Joanie repeated, "FUN!" before hugging Derek's neck and effectively easing the nervousness her mother was feeling.

Olivia stepped in, "Mary, why don't you let Derek and I take Joanie for a little while and you kids can go outside. "

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Of course not, sweetie. We'll take care of her! I'm going to get lunch ready in a little while, so you all go outside and enjoy the day."

"Thank you, Mrs. Steele."

Olivia shook her head, "Please call me Olivia."

Derek chimed in, "And I am Derek, not Mr. Steele. Like I've told your brother, we're not big on formalities around here. "

Steve, Shauni, Sasha and Mary made their way back out to the lanai while Derek and Olivia fussed over Joanie and gave her their undivided attention.

After a delicious lunch provided by Olivia, the Steele's and McGarrett's enjoyed the afternoon together. Steve called Danny, Chin, and Kono and told them all that he had things covered for the time being. He wasn't surprised by the good natured chiding he received from all of them at spending so much time with Shauni, but they also weren't complaining at having some time off.

Olivia enthusiastically watched after Joanie and let the others spend time together. The first time Mary came over to check on Joanie, she insisted, "Don't worry about her, sweetie. Being a single mom is a hard job, so enjoy the break. You're close by if she needs you. Otherwise, I have her….and you can relax with your brother and my girls."

Mary thanked her and went back to enjoy the other three as they shared family "secrets" with each other. It was an informative afternoon as Shauni leaned some things about Steve from Mary, and Sasha returned the favor by spilling some secrets on Shauni as well.

Time seemed to fly by. Later in the evening, the Steele's would be flying back to Los Angeles, so they decided to have an early dinner of grilled steaks. Derek and Steve volunteered to work the grill while the ladies went inside to prepare the salad, sides and dessert.

As everyone got their "assignments" from Momma Steele and started on dinner preparations, Derek discretely asked Steve if they could talk outside.

Knowing that the Steele's would be leaving later that evening, Steve assumed Derek was going to talk to him about the continued security for the remainder of Shauni's visit. He followed Derek outside to the lanai where Derek handed him a beer and Steve couldn't help but notice the man seemed a little anxious.

"Everything okay, sir?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, everything is good. Very good, in fact. I just need to talk to you about something man to man…and I'm trying to figure out how to say it."

Now Steve felt anxious. What could this be about?

Derek took a long drink of his own beer before turning to Steve. "I want to talk to you about Shauni. More specifically your relationship with her."

Of all the things Steve imagined Derek may want to talk to him about, this wasn't even on the list. "Ok."

"And before you get nervous, it's not what you think." Derek smiled and paused for a moment before continuing. "I know there is something special between you. Olivia and I see it…..Sasha sees it…..Everyone around you sees it. But, it's early so it's going to take time to see where it leads….if anywhere. I just want to tell you that I've never seen Shauni this happy or content, and whether she realizes it or not, she's falling for you. I've seen enough to believe you may be falling too."

"She's pretty amazing."

"Yes, she is. And even though Olivia and I have only known you a few days, we have seen what kind of man you are. So, I'm going to give you a bit of advice that I've never shared with anyone else before."

Steve's interest was piqued. "What's that?"

Derek took a deep breath and let it out, "Shauni has a big heart and I have always known she was going to fall hard when she finally let someone in. However, what I've seen in recent years is that she pushes guys away when things start to get serious. I have my theories on why she does that, but it's not important right now. What I will tell you is that she pushes men away when she starts to have strong feelings. She puts distance between them. Then, when they eventually break up….it pretty much reinforces her belief that she'll never have anyone who stays."

Steve shook his head. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I think you are good for her, son. Like I said before, I've never seen her this happy and content. She feels safe with you in a way I've never seen before. The reason I'm telling you is so that you'll know what's coming. When she realizes she is in love with you, she's going to try to push you away. And if you are half the man I believe you are, you will not let her get away with it. Don't let her push you away, because the man who finally wins my daughter's heart is going to be one very blessed man."

Steve heart clenched in his chest. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate the advice. And I promise I'll take care of her."

"I know you will. And if you don't stop calling me 'sir', I'm going to have to kick your ass." Derek patted Steve on the back as they both laughed, "Okay, now that that's out of the way, what do you say we work on these steaks before the girls get onto us for not having things ready."

Steve agreed and they worked on getting the grill fired up and ready to go.