Chapter Nine

-"They made their way out back to the patio, and the beers were on the table. Danny & Lou arrived first. Hey, I could see you, buddy, you too. You look good and happy said Lou. Everything is good with the liver, and I can return to work on light duty next week; no field work yet. That is really good because we miss you. How Catherine? Well, about that, they thought he was going to say she had to leave again, but the smile on his face made them doubt that was the case.

-"While you boys been busy trying to get me back with Lynn and Catherine out of the picture with your scheming. Yeah, I know you two planned that scene at the restaurant and feeding her lies about Catherine. What lies we told her truth said Danny? I am so disappointed in you. I have told you a thousand times, do not tell Melissa my business. I know you told her that I told you on that fishing trip that I said Catherine was not my girlfriend. I don't deny I said it, but you don't know why. I was afraid if word got out who she was, then she would be a target. We didn't put a label on our relationship. She was then and has been the only woman I love. I do regret saying that to you, but you had no right to try and cause trouble between us. He raised his hand and said not one word until I am done. You and Lou were so busy trying to get me back together with Lynn that you don't know all the nasty things she was doing to Catherine for no cause. Texting her day and night. Posting stuff on social media about me and Catherine. Catherine never did one thing to her because that is the kind of woman she is. If you know me then you would have known from day one that it wasn't in to Lynn. I feel bad because I didn't tell her in the beginning that our relationship wasn't going anywhere. I was hurt and you two were on my back all the time; I went along. I hated that Valentine's dinner and I bet she didn't tell you that I didn't sleep with her again after that. I was wishing I was with Catherine. That right when I was with Lynn, I was thinking about Catherine. Lynn texted me 50 times in one day until I had her block.

-"She Facebook messenger Mary, who she had never met because I didn't want to introduce her because she was not part of my future. She paid some waitress to spy on Catherine and follow her to a shop. You know about that because you were in on the plan. Lou, I thought you would be wiser and respect my decision, but you were right there with Danny. I know you two were worried about me and wanted me to be happy, but once I told you I wanted Catherine, that should have been the end. She was also your friend before she left.

-"Danny stood up, waving their hand; she left you twice and lied to you and me; we didn't want you to get hurt again. Buddy, last time you were one big giant mess. You are brother, and we love you, man. Yeah Steve we did it out of love for you. I know, and that is why I am not cutting the friendship out of my life and not just making it only professional. I have a surprise engagement party for Catherine tomorrow and would like both of you to be there. I am telling you now: if you two don't change your attitude and start act like my brothers, I will never be friends with you again.

-" Now, what you don't know is the reason Catherine left me and lied to me. She was forced to by the CIA. They blackmail me with a tape saying I kill Doris' old CIA boss in cold blood. I found out he was behind the building being blown up on us. I never told her and I never told you two because if there was any backlash, I didn't want you all caught up in it. I didn't hear anything and I thought it was over. I had no idea they would use it to blackmail her. She gave up her life to protect me and all of you. So we owe her and need to beg her to forgive us because I sure as hell will do it for the rest of my life. Joe & I, along with Catherine's Dad, Kono, and Jerry, came up with a plan, and Chin helped. I couldn't trust you two because you have been acting like complete jerks. We met with the CIA Director, and it took a lot of doing to get her to agree to a meeting. She did, and we presented her our case. She wasn't aware this happened, and she released Catherine from her contract asap. No harm would ever come to her or me or the rest of us. Now, he stood tall and looked at the dumb look on their faces. Now you can talk.

-"I am so sorry Steve, I was wrong and should have trust you. I will apologize to Catherine also for everything I did. Lou, me too, Steve, we owe both of you an apology. Congrats, man, and we would love to come tomorrow. Danny, I am going to ask you not to tell Melissa or bring her; I want this to be perfect for Catherine. She deserves it. I can do that, Steve. Lou, you can bring Renee she was always nice to Catherine. Thanks, Steve, and I am truly happy for you, man. Now let's drink some beers and eat so I can go see my fiancée. They drank, ate, and teased Steve about finally having the balls to get engaged before all of them left.

-" Lou & Danny were talking on the phone on the way home. Man, I feel like a jerk about all the things I said about Catherine and helped Lynn and Melissa do those things to her. I do, too, man, and Lyn was doing stuff we didn't even know about. Boy, we were wrong about her. Yeah. You know It is going to take Steve a while before he trusts us completely or tells us stuff again. I know, but we sure deserve it, and we just have to keep trying to get things to go back to the way they used to. Right. I see you Sat night; I have got to get my best suit out, me too.

-" It was Saturday and Steve was at home getting ready. He texted Kono to make sure everything was good on her end. He checked in with the hotel to make sure everything was set up and ready to go. They said we are ready Sir. Jerry had called Mary earlier and walked her through how to watch online several times, and she finally got it. He told her to text if she had any problems. Steve checked and put the ring in his pocket, and he was sure Catherine would love it. He gets the plumeria flower at the hotel. He thought he was ready. He gets in the truck and is on his way to the hotel to get ready to marry his girl. He was beyond happy. Catherine was getting ready to go with Kono to her event. She really doesn't mind helping her out but she really would love to be with Steve. She can't believe they are going to get their happy ending. No more CIA, no more lies and secrets. As soon as she could, she was going to tell Kono she needed to leave so she could head to Steve.

-"Kono knocks on her door. Wow, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress Sista's. Look at that glow on your face. So do you Kono. Thanks again for going with me. I know you rather be with Steve. I promise once we make the round, you can leave if you need. They hugged and headed downstairs

-". Everyone was in the room and all said who knew Steve had in him to put something off this beautiful. He pulled out all the stops and opened up his wallet, Danny said and they laughed. It was getting close to the time. Kono texted to say they would be there in a minute. So everyone was standing, and Steve was at the head of the dance floor with a plumeria flower in his hand, looking sexy as ever.

-"This was it; at the last minute Kono said Catherine, go ahead in; she pretended she needed to call Adam real quick. I forgot to tell Adam something, so I be in min. Okay, she opens the ballroom and everyone yells surprise. She was in disbelief, what, at first she thought they were at the wrong ballroom. Ballons and confetti were coming down. Then she laid eyes on him, standing at the front with a tux that was making him all the hotter. He walked toward her, and everyone was applauding; the DJ was playing You Are My Lady. He walked over to her, put the white plumeria flower behind her left ear, and then planted a big kiss on her lip. Come with me, she walked with him to the dance floor; she saw her parents and wave, the team, the Governor, and a lot of HPD friends and navy friends of theirs.

-"He turned her to face him. Catherine Rollins, I have loved you since the first day I laid eyes on you. You made me a better man; you taught me how to love and give love. We have been through so many ups and downs, but somehow, we find our way back together. When I almost died, you were the first person I wanted by my side, if it was my last moment on earth, if it was your beautiful brown eyes and face, I wanted to see. I know I lost my way for a minute but you never lost my heart. I am beyond grateful for the sacrifice you made for me. I love you then and I love you now. He gets down on one knee. Catherine Rollins, will you marry me? Catherine was letting tears flow, but they were happy tears. She never thought they would end up together after she left last time. Yes, yes, I will marry you; it is all I dream of. Steve, you made me a better person also, and I love you from the moment you smirked at me for hitting my computer in intelligence. You are smart and brave and will do anything for your family. I love you my commander. They kiss a long passionate kiss, and everyone yells and claps. Steve says I want to thank everyone for sharing in our joy and for pulling off the surprise. Thanks Kono, Jerry, Joe, Chin, Catherine's parents, and the hotel stall for making this an awesome event. Thanks to my team and Ohana for being here, including some of our friends from the Navy. Please enjoy, eat, and dance to your heart's desire.

-"You were surprised. You did well; I didn't have a clue. You did really good sailor. That dress is beautiful on you, and he whispers but I can't wait to get you out of this. Soon sailor, but let's mingle so we can soon make our escape. Her Mom and Dad came and hugged them both. You two were in on it. Yes, and it was so hard for me not to spill the beans said her Mother. Steve is a good man; he even asks for my blessing. Really, I told him he had it, but if he hurt my little girl, I would rain holly hell on him, and they laugh. Kono was next. Sistah you are good said Catherine. They hugged. Thank you Kono, for helping me with the surprise; I couldn't done it without you. Chin came over. Well, it took you long enough, and they hugged. Congrats man; I am happy for you both. Joe, Jerry, Max , Kamkeona, and Flippa were next with their congrats.

-"Danny came over and said to Steve you clean up nice buddy and Catherine congrats and you look beautiful. I know this is not the right place, but I would like to come over and apologize to you and have a talk. Thanks Danny, and that sounds good. She still felt awkward with him and Lou said the same. They both knew they were wrong. They were happy for both of them. Everyone was dancing and having a good time. Steve said you ready to slip out? Yeah, everyone is drinking, so I think we're good. Just as they reached the door, he heard Commander congrats and he turned to see the Governor. Thank you, sir. Lieutenant, I heard you back, and I hope to get you back to Five-O also. We missed you and need you. Thank you Sir, but I need to think about it. You two have a good evening.

They ran to the elevator before anyone else noticed them. They barely got the key card in before they both got out of their clothes. We are getting married. Woohoo, they both were hyped but drank some champagne on ice. Everything was beautiful Steve, and I love my ring. You went all out, sailor. Nothing too good for my woman. They made love all night long. The next morning, cuddling together, Steve asks do you have a date in mind that you want to get married? No, what about you? I go to the courthouse today, but I know that is not what you want. I don't wait a long time Cath. Yeah, me, either. I don't want a big wedding but not too small. How about a fall wedding? Like in September. Yeah, I can handle that.

-"She reaches over to get her phone and pulls up the calendar. How about the 4th Saturday the 25th. Sold. We got our date; now I can get on with the planning. Cath, don't take this wrong but I will be good with anything you decide. Just tell me where to show up and the time. Steve, I do want you to be involve a little. Okay, just for you. I am going to start looking for a place right now. She was excited. At first, I thought about the backyard yard, then we had people all hours of the night, and we couldn't escape, if you know what I mean. He kissed her and said yes I do. I pick a place where we can do both and maybe a hotel within walking distance, so no one will have to drive if they are drinking. Sounds good. The Hilton is fine for the receptionist but not for the actual wedding. I need to find a place where you can leave one and go to the other. I am sure you will find the perfect place. I get Kono to help me.

-"You know Danny & Lou, said they want to talk to me. I know they are sorry about the way they treated me. It just going to take me some time for it to go back to the way it was. Yeah, me too. They did go overboard with not trusting me or you. I think we should hear them out so we can move forward. You are right, and we will. She goes to get out of bed, where do you think you are going, to shower, and get started on my wedding plan. Not so fast, fiancée. He pulls her back and gets on top of her for another round of lovemaking. They shower and get ready to check out. You know Mare was so cute watching us online. She felt bad she couldn't come. She thought she had to yell for us to hear her. Yeah, Jerry said it took him several tries to get her to understand what to do. I am going to ask her to be a bridesmaid. She loves that. We got everything; yes, let's go home Lieutenant.

-"They checked out but didn't see Lynn watching from around the corner. She was jealous and thought it should have been her party, and if Catherine hadn't come back, it probably would have been hers. She had not given up on getting Steve back, not just yet. She had to come up with a plan before the wedding.

A/N: Again, please forgive any errors I make. I am new to this and trying my best. I have several more chapters before this one is done. FF is slow, so it is taking longer to upload.

What plan will Lynn come up with to try and stop the wedding?