Mari's ANs: Sammy and Ilna, love you to the moon REAL McRollers and Readers, thanks doesn't seem like enough, but thank you always.
Sammy's ANs: Mari and Ilna-you guys are the best. Thanks for all the love and support McRollers
Good Adjectives (1/1)
Steve stood on the lanai, watching the waves crash, lost in thought. Gracie had called and asked if she could come over to talk to them about something. Knowing her favorite Uncle would worry until she got there if she didn't clarify, she was sure to tell him it was good news.
"Penny for 'em," Catherine said, a smile tugging at her lips.
He smiled wryly. "Big spender."
Catherine chuckled. "Did you know that's actually a compliment? Or at least the Renaissance Era version of one. It indicates that a man is so wise his thoughts are with paying for."
"I didn't know that but I'm not at all surprised you did." He turned to face her, his eyes reflecting a mix of love, pride and nostalgia. "I was thinking of the day I met Gracie," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "She was so little. Barely older than Angie is now."
She stepped closer, placing her hand on his back. "And she accepted and loved you, right from the start," she said. "Which caused problems for your emotional walls."
He grinned. "She joked about Danny telling her a lot about me. Then a few days later she was with him when he picked me up because we were dropping her at school on the way to HQ. She ran up to the door while he waited in the car, grabbed my hand and said, 'Come on, Uncle Steve, we don't want to be late,' and just like that we became family. And in spite of all the chaos going on around me…"
"You felt a little less alone," she finished for him. "I loved her before I even met her for that, you know." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "And not long after, I was baking cupcakes and hoping she'd like me because she was so important to you."
"Of course you two were thick as thieves the minute you met." He smirked. "Because Gracie's a great judge of character and who wouldn't love you?"
"I can think of a few people," she laughed. "Most are guests of the state, or McGarrettitis sufferers though, so…" she shrugged. "And look how far we've all come. Danny and Grace gave us a big family and we gave her more aunts, uncle, cousins and an extra great grandmother.
Grace came through the front door carrying a pan of lasagna that was big enough to feed the entire neighborhood.
"Some people celebrate with champagne," she laughed. "We celebrate with Nonna's pasta."
"You won't hear me complaining," Steve said as he took the lasagna from here and placed it on the island. "I hope that means you're staying for dinner."
"I'd love to." Grace smiled. "I'm leaving for Montana in a couple of days and I want to spend some time with you guys and the kids before I go."
"They'll be home soon," Catherine said as they all settled on the deck. "They're at the VA with my dad."
"Okay, Gracie, tell us," Steve prompted, his eyes curious behind his sunglasses. "I want to hear this big news."
Catherine gave their niece a reassuring smile. "We're all ears."
Taking a deep breath, Grace straightened her posture and said, "Boris offered me a full-time position at Ko Olina."
Steve beamed at her. "And you took it."
She nodded, a smile on her lips. "Yes!"
Catherine hugged her. "That's wonderful, sweetheart, I know you're excited and Danny has to be thrilled."
"I am, he is," Grace giggled. "I love working there, and it's such an amazing job. And if you think about it, I owe it all to you guys. If you hadn't had your wedding there I'd never have met Boris and I would never have gotten the opportunities I got there before I even graduated."
"I'm glad we could play a small part in your rise to the top," Steve smiled. "What's your new job description?" He leaned forward in his seat. "You're already the best party planner on the island…"
"And of course you're not biased at all." Grace chuckled. "I'll be keeping my position as party planner but also … and this is the most exciting part … I'll get a chance to work as a full fledged designer. It will give me more control over every aspect of each event I plan. I'll be able to work with clients to customize everything exactly the way they want it. Help people really bring their vision to life."
Catherine's smile spread across her face. "I can already see you excelling in that role, Grace. Your attention to detail and creativity are amazing."
Grace's cheeks flushed with warmth. "I feel honored to be a part of such memorable days in people's lives. Sometimes it's hard for people to put what they want into words. They can see it in their heads, they just don't know how to describe it. I love being able to talk to them and get to know them until I can see that vision too. Then bringing it to life."
"We're so proud of you, Gracie." Steve beamed.
"I even have a real contract," Grace bubbled. "Boris gave it to me to look over and then we sat down and talked about it and he even made a few changes I asked for."
"Of course he did," Steve said. "Because Boris is a smart man. Too smart to let you go and get a job with a rival resort."
Grace blushed. "I feel like a real grown up."
"Sometimes I still picture you as a little girl," Steve said. "But that's when I'm feeling nostalgic. I know I kid you about staying a little girl for a little while longer but seriously." He paused to gather his thoughts. "You've grown into an amazing young woman. Smart, kind, creative, energetic, empathetic …" He smiled a crooked smile. "I'm … we're … so incredibly proud of you."
Grace swiped at her cheeks. "You're making me cry." She hugged them both. "You were both great examples for me. Hard working, driven, dedicated, loving, honest, smart, kind. I just want to say…" Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "You guys are all the good adjectives too."
THE END - thanks for reading!
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