Chapter Six
-"How about going out for dinner tonight? There is this sushi restaurant I like. It is not as good as my favorite one on King St, but it do. Okay, then we will go. Once they got to the table. The waitress smiled and flirted with Steve. Wow, any second, I thought she was going to hop in your lap. Cath, I don't care about her. I know, but your ass in those jeans got everyone lady in the place having the hots for you. You being silly, I am not because I am one of them, and she smirks. They enjoyed their meal and went home. The temptation was getting harder and harder, but somehow, they were fighting it. Jackie came on the next day for lunch. McGarrett, they hugged. So, you know I am piss at you right. I know. You don't deserve Catherine. Right again. Jackie, please, I told you what happened said, Catherine. I know but I am talking about before then. Dating you for over 15 years and have with no commitment. You two should be married and have kids by now. We both want to wait. Lies, she didn't hope back the punches. I watch you cry and pine over his sorry ass for years. Don't get me wrong; I know he loves you from day one, even thru the just-friend bullshit days. Wow, Jackie, tell me how you really feel. Quiet McGarrett, I need to get this out of my system. How the hell do you wait till she is halfway around the world to tell her you love you? Why didn't you go get her both times? I was an idiot and a fool, and I know that now. Damn straight. Jackie, I am sorry, and everything you said is the truth. I had a hard time expressing my feelings, but my actions show I always loved Cath. Yeah, I agree you did with that. I am done; I feel better now. I am so happy for you two. In spite of what she said, she knew Steve loved Catherine, and Catherine loved Steve. They were two stubborn and perfect for each other. Catherine said I am going to start lunch. You want some help. No, I got it.
-"Jackie let me show the big fish in the lake out back. What, it's cold out there. You got a jacket, and he winked. Okay, she looked at him strangely, and they headed outside. Look, thank you for being there for Catherine when I couldn't. She is my bestie and we got each other back. I need a huge favor. What is it? I want to plan a surprise engagement for Catherine, and she screams. Ssh, she hears you and comes out. If just that, I am so happy this final is happening. What can I do? I need a place in town to hold it; I am going to invite my Ohana, her parents, and my sister and niece. Don't worry; you came to the right person to make this happen. I know the perfect place and the owner is a friend of mine. What do you want? The words money is no object. She gave him that look. I never thought I would see the day when the words money is no object came out of your mouth. Hey, I might not have been Mr. Big Spender with you all, but when it comes to Cath, money was never a problem. Do you have a ring? I do buy it in Oahu, but I am going to get my buddy to bring it to me. That cover. I also need plumeria flowers. What? Is it our thing? Okay. Oh, is there a place I can book rooms for out-of-towners to stay? Yeah, there is a great hotel that is within walking distance of the place; it has a covered walking that connects, so if the weather is bad, no one will have to worry about it. Perfect. I can take care of the videographer, and photographer. What kind of food, can you do a variety so each guest can have choices? Yeah, I can. How are you going to surprise her? I am going to tell her I want to take her to his fancy place for dinner that you mention and you might enjoy. I can't wait. Can you invite some of her other Navy friends? Got it. What date do you want it? I want it for next Sat if it is available. Let me know right way so I can tell all my family and friends. I can call it now. She is still working on lunch. Go ahead. Hey Eric, I need a huge favor. My BFF's boyfriend wants to surprise her with an engagement party next Sat. They are from out of town. Is that date available? Let me check. You are in luck. I just got a cancellation.
-"She gave Steve the thumbs up. Please book it for a McGarrett party of at least 100. I'll stop by later and give you the rest of the details. Thank you. You're all set; I can stop in at the hotel to book some rooms also. I really want to go with you, but I need to do it so she is not suspicious. How about this? I will tell her I got a call saying I got a leak in my condo, and you said you could help me, so I didn't have to call a plumber. Yeah, that should work. They go back in. Hey Catherine, my condo neighbor just called and said she passed by and saw some water coming out, It doesn't look like a lot, but Steve offered to come along bec he can probably fix it for me. As an owner we have to fix our own plumbing problem. Oh no, yeah, that's fine. I just keep everything for when you all get back. He kissed her and said would be back soon. They head to the hotel first, and Steve reserves a block of room for at least 20. Then he goes to her friend's venue; he tells him everything he wants and pays with his credit card. You can count on me, sir, to make this the event of a lifetime. I can get you everything you need from the vendors I work with. Since they were also going to do the cancellation, they will be available also. Jackie hugged him, I am so excited. You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this day. Do you know a place where I can get a suit? On the next street that is a men shop. Do you think Catherine will want a new dress? Duh, yes. I tell her about taking her out and you can get her to buy something new on the sly. We make a good team. Yeah, we do. Now I need to start calling everyone and asking them to keep it a secret till next Sat. Do you think that be a problem? My partner tends to not be able to hold a secret. Jackie said while you shop, I am going to call some of our friends; sound good; meet you back here in 30. 30! Yeah, I am a quick shopper. He found the perfect gray suit with a crisp white collar and shoes. He asked them to hold it for a couple of days until he told her about the dinner.
-"First, he calls her parents. He saves Danny and the team for last. Her parents were overjoyed. Steve asks his Dad if his permission still stands from 2 years ago and laughs. Yes, son, it does. I text you the hotel, and I pay for your stay and airline tickets. You will do no such thing and that final. Okay, sir, and I see you in a week. He calls Mary next. Hey, big bro, I've been worried about you. Why bec some person named Lynn has been sending me messages on FB saying she was your girlfriend and you broke up with her. I told her I don't get into your business. I tried calling and texting you, but you never got back. What going on, Steve? Mare, Lynn was never my girlfriend. I made the mistake of letting others push me to date her after Catherine left. I told you weren't ready, but did you listen to me? No. Mare, please. Anyway, I suggest you block Lynn bec she is crazy, okay? I am calling you because I want to fly you and Joan out to Virginia. Virginia for what? Uh, I will throw Catherine a surprise engagement party next Sat. She screamed are you serious? You with Catherine? When and how did this happen? It a long story and I tell you everything when you get here. It wasn't her fault to lie to me and leave me. We both still love one another; I never stop. Oh, Steve, I am so happy to hear this because I knew she was perfect for you from day one. She called Joanie on her birthday and sent her gits all the time. What You never told me. She asked me not to because you had moved on and didn't want you to think she was interfering in your life. Wow! She is such a sweetheart. Yes she is. I email you the flight information and hotel reservation. Please remember it is a surprise, and don't tell anyone. Are you going to invite Mom? If I knew where she was. Joe said she was deep, deep undercover, so I can't. Okay, I am happy for you two. Love you, bro, love you all too.
-"Next, he called Joe and said he would miss it for the world, and it was about damn time. Steve, next time when I tell you something, trust me to know what I am talking about. He told Steve early on that the girl was a keeper. Okay Joe, see you Sat. Texting hotel info. That sounds good, son. He called Sam Hanna, one of his old seal buddies, and a couple more; they said they would try to make it but couldn't promise he knew the nature of the last-minute assignment. Yes he did. Now to the call, he was sort of dreading to make it. He wants to tell Danny by himself, and then he tells the rest of the Team. Hey partner. What do I owe the pleasure of this call, Steven? Cut it out, Danno? I am just surprised you called me because I hardly heard from you since that one call. I know, but I have been busy. Busy doing what? Wait, I don't want to know if it has to do with Barry While. Danno, can you shut up for one minute? I have something important to tell you. Sorry Steven, go ahead. Ah, I am going to propose to Catherine at a surprise party next Sat. You what? You heard me when I said propose. Well, this time, I hope you go through it instead of planning it to death. Anyway, he ignores him; I want you and Grace and Charlie, if he is not too young to come, to fly out next Sat for the surprise. For God's sake, keep your big mouth shut; it is a surprise. Congrats buddy; I am really happy for you. Of course we will be there. Charlie will be away with Rachel and Step Stan in Vegas. Have you told the Team, that my next call. I wanted to tell you first. Because you thought I would get angry and try to talk you out of it. No, not that; you are my best friend, and we have been through a lot, and it was important for me to tell you first and alone. Okay, I text you the hotel where you can book your reservation. Oh, I need you to go by the house and look in the sock drawer and get the ring. I thought you threw that ring away. It was the lie I told Lynn; I could never part with it because I knew someday, I would give it to Catherine. You know Lynn is going to ballistic when she finds out. I am hoping by the time she does, she has moved on. Danny, I hate to ask you this, but can you not tell Melissa and not bring her? Well, we sort on the outs anyway, so it won't be a problem. I got go, buddy; I need to call the rest of the team. I see you and Grace on next Sat.
-"He called Kono, she said she and, Lou, and Chin were in the office. He asks her to get them to come to the bullpen. Hey Chin, Steve want to talk to us, and she told Lou also. We are all here, Steve, except Danny. That's okay, I just called him. I want to invite all of you to Virginia for my surprise engagement party for Catherine on next Sat. I ask the governor to get HPD to cover he weekend. Kono screamed, OMG, OMG, and hugged Chin, jumping up and down. I am so happy for you both; she was crying. Congrats, Steve, congrats, man said Chin & Lou. You guys can bring a plus one, but I need for you to keep it a secret. You got it. I texted you the hotel so you can book your reservation, and the venue is within walking distance next door. I am sorry for the short notice, but I couldn't wait any longer. We apply for you, and we see you next Sat. Next call to the Governor. Hi Steve, are you ready to come back to work? Not quite yet, sir. I want to invite you to my surprise engagement party to Lt. Rollins. Lt Rollins, I thought you two broke up. It's a long story, but we are back together, and I want to marry her. Congrats she is a terrific lady, and she knew how to keep your ass in check. He laughed. I ask the wife but I am sure we can make it. I need one more favor. I want the team to come and was wondering if you could have HPD call take calls that weekend. Yes, I can. Are you going to invite Duke? Yes, because I have known him and his wife since childhood, and I want him to be there. No problem, we have enough people to cover. Thank you, sir, and I'll see you next Sat don't forget it's a surprise I can keep a secret, Steve, and he laughs. He called Kamekona he ask he could fly his helicopter to VA. Steve said no. Well, Flippa and I will leave early and take the train. The trip is going to take you at least 5 days. I know, brah, but I am not flying that far. Why couldn't you have it here so I could cater? She is here now, and I will be here for a little longer. I miss my best customer. Okay, big guy, see you and Flippa next Sat. Bye, big Kahuna
