Chapter Seven

-"Kamie smiled. He was happy for his buddy; they were perfect for each other. Steve and Jackie met up. I called everyone and I am good on my end. Same here. We better get back before she gets too suspicious. Thanks again Jackie for all your help. You go it McGarrett. Hey, did you get it fixed? They almost forgot that was their excuse. Handyman McGarrett took care of it, and it did not do too much damage. He is really handy with fixing things said Catherine. He pecked her lips. You are all still hungry, yeah, I get everything, and she set the table. Jackie left, hugged Cath, and said I am happy you two are working out. I call you soon. I am wiped out; I think I need a nap, she chuckles. Oh yeah, hey, Jackie told me about this great restaurant in town, and they book months in advance. She knows the owner and got us a reservation for next Sat. I want to take you and treat you to something fancy. Okay, but I need a dress. How about we go to the town for the next couple of days and shop. Sounds like a plan. You want to watch TV, sure, how about MacGyver? That guy is hot. Really, Cath, but I love how he can fix anything.

-"Three days before the party, they went to town, and Catherine was shopping for a dress, Steve pretended he was going to check out this shop for a suit and be right back. He went and picked up the suit he had already paid for. That was quick. You know me, I don't take long to find what I like, not like some people. Cath rolled her eyes. Cath, we have been to like 5 stores already, and you haven't found anything you like. I think I like something I saw in the first store. Are you kidding me, he growled. I cant let you see it until we go out. Okay, let's go, and he grabs her hand to hold. I'll wait out here while you get it. She got the dress and shoes to match. He saw a jewelry store with a perfect blue anchor necklace on display. He wants to get it without her knowing about it. Cath, I need to go the bathroom; I will be right back. Okay, she said while she handed the cashier her credit card. She didn't see him go into the jewelry store. Can I help you, sir? That necklace in the display, can I see it? Sure, he took it and gave it to him. Do you engrave? Yes, we have someone on site that can do it right away. I take it, and on the back, I want it to say, Catherine, my forever beautiful Lieutenant. Love always Steve. The back was shaped like a heart. I will be back in about 15 min. He could see Catherine, but she couldn't see him. She was looking around, trying to see where he had gone. Here it is sir. It's beautiful. They were wrapped in a beautiful box, and he waited till she walked back into the store and went to her. Hey, where have you been? I told you I had to use the bathroom. It sure took a long time. Ready, let's go home. We stop and pick up some dinner on the way home. He didn't know that Catherine had also picked up something from Victoria's secret that she wan to surprise him with when they were ready to be intimate again. You sure got a lot of bags for one dress and a pair of shoes. I might have picked up some other things. Like what? None of your business, Mr. Nosey, and he laughed.

-"A week passed, and it was Thursday before the wedding. Everyone had let them know they would be in by Friday. Kamekona and Flippa made it midday Friday and said they wished they had flown and were going straight to bed. Steve said next time you listen to me. He wanted to go meet them but couldn't risk Catherine catching on. Danny, Grace, Kono, Adam. Lou, Renee, Chin, Abby, Duke, and his wife were on the same flight. They all said they couldn't believe Steve was finally getting engaged, and they were so happy for them. Renee said I told you that man only had eyes for Catherine. No one you all set him up with was going to work. A woman knows when a man has found his soulmate. Lou asked, is that right? You bet it is; case and point, you and everyone laughed. Grace said. I tried to tell Danno the exact same thing: that Uncle Steve and Aunt Cath were a perfect match. I guess this kid does know something and they laugh again. They all checked in and the hotel desk clerk told them how they could walk to the venue. They had a bar, and the restaurant was open late for dinner. Lou said first found of drinks on me, Adam said I got the second. Danny saw Sam, Hanna, and Joe. Well, isn't it NCIS LA's favorite agent? Good to see you, Sam, and you too, Joe. Did Steve invite the entire county to his engagement party? I think he might have. Sam saw some of his old seal buddies and went to say hi to them. It had been a long time since they saw one another. They had a good time telling stories about Steve and Catherine. Mary came down for a drink after putting Joanie to bed, Catherine parents was watching her. Hi Mary, hey guys, we are telling a story about Steve and Catherine. Well, I got a doozy for you. It was Catherine's first trip to the island since Steve started running the task force. Steve forgot to tell her I was in the house. So the next morning, she came down wearing nothing but Steve's shirt, and I surprised her by coming out of the bathroom. I introduced myself and I said the old house had thin walls, and she goes Oh God, I said you said that a lot last night, they laughed. You know me, I had to make her squirm, but she is the best. Help me, Joanie, to be closer to Steve and my mom at some point. To Steve & Catherine , everyone said cheers and headed up to their rooms. It has been a long day.

-"It was Sat morning, and Catherine noticed Steve's phone was blowing up. She thought it might be Lynn but didn't say anything. He was acting sort of strange. She heard him tell Danny just to make sure he had it and not to lose it, but that was all she could make out. Your phone is blowing up; some telemarketer got a hold of it, I am trying to block them. It was almost time, and they got dressed; he was in the guest room, so when she came out wearing a fitting back number, you looked wow, wow, so sexy, beautiful, and I can't tell what that dress is doing to me. Oh yeah, yeah, he pecks her. He said I think you are missing something. What? He open the box and give her the necklace. It, it's beautiful, Steve she said with tears in her eyes. She read the inscription I love it and you so much. She held her hair while he put it on. We better go so we won't be late. She grabbed her shawl. You also look good in that suit; I love that color on you. Yeah, yes, Commander, and God help him to wait just a little longer. He texted Jackie to tell her they were pulling in now and to get ready. You were right; this place is packed. Some of their guests drove in, and the hotel shared a parking lot. Steve opened the door; she asked why it was so dark in there. Then she heard a surprise, and the light came on. It was the most beautiful setting she had ever seen. There was a string light, and on the screen, it had Steve & Catherine congratulations in a big heart. Then she looked and saw her parents, Jackie, Mary, Joanie, Danny, Grace, Joe, Kono& Adam, Chin & Abby, Lou & Renee, Duke & his wife, Kamie, Flippa, Max, Jerry, Steve Seal's brothers, old Navy buddies and their wives.

-" He took her hand and took her to the center of the floor; Danny slipped him the box. He got down on one knee. Catherine, I have loved you for over half of my life. I don't know where I would be without you. You taught me to love and to open my heart up. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful woman who loves me unconditionally. You sacrificed so much for me, and I don't think I could ever repay you, but I know that I don't want to spend one day without you. I lost my way for a little bit, but my heart always belongs to you, Catherin Ann Rollins. Will you marry me? She cried, yes, yes, I will, and I love you so much. He put the ring on her finger and kissed her to applaud and hooyah and cheers. The DJ started playing My First, My Last, My Everything, and Danny yelled at Barry white time, and everyone laughed. Everyone came up to congratulate them. Mom and Dad, we are so happy for you, baby. Did you know you were all along? Yeah, it took everything for your mother not to spill the beans. Hush Patrick, my baby, is finally making her dream come true. Now let's get you two married soon so I can finally get some grandkids. Mom, one thing at a time. I love you. Love you too. They hugged and congrats Steve. Mare, you did good, brother, Catherine. Welcome to the family, and I couldn't ask for a better sis. Hey Joanie, Aunt Cat, you look pretty, and so do you. She kisses her cheek. Steve picked up Joanie and tickled her. Uncle Steve, stop and she giggles. I am going to put this one to bed. The hotel sitter will watch her, and I will be back to get my party on. Not every day, you finally get to see the pain of a brother getting engaged. She laughed, and Steve rolled his eyes. Danno was next; look at you; who knew Super Seal had such good taste and really knew how to plan ops? Congrats Catherine, he hugged her, and I was for one am thankful that you are back to keep this crazy ninja in check. Thanks, Danny; I mean a lot. He hugged Steve also. Grace said you look like a queen Aunt Cath; I love your dress. Thank you, Gracie, and I missed you so much. I missed you too. When you are coming back to Oahu? Soon, very soon. That's awesome, and I am so happy for you and Uncle Steve; you two are perfect together. I promise when you get back, we will have a girl's day out. I love that; she hugged Uncle Steve and whispered in his ear, so happy that you got your girl, and kissed his cheek. Thank Gracie. Kono was next. Hey, sistas, I am so happy for you, and I missed you. I miss you too, Kono, and thanks for texting with words of encouragement. Girlfriend, without you, Adam & I wouldn't be married now. I knew you and Seve belonged together and been praying for this day. Let's see that ring. Damn, boss, you went all out. He grinning. Yes, he did, and I love it. Chin was next, and he said I told Steve to follow his heart, and I am glad he finally did. I miss you, Sista. I miss you too, Chin, and enjoyed working with you. We made a badass team; they laughed and hugged. Lou and Renee were next. Congrats, Catherine. My wife told me a long time ago that you and Steve only had eyes for one another; it didn't matter if I meddled and tried to get him to move on, and I'm sorry about that; he was never going to do it because you two had run deep. Renee hugged her, and next time, listen to your wife. Thank Renee, and thanks for helping make sure he ate properly. Steve told me how you made sure to drop off some of your fantastic cooking for him. You're welcome; I had to make sure he was healthy when he got his woman back.

-"Sam Hanna, Kitty Cat, congrats, and this big lug finally did the right thing. I am happy for you both, and if he gives you any trouble, just call me, and I'll kick his ass; that goes for all of us, the Seal team member. They hugged and caught up. Then there was Joe. Well, the two more stubborn people I know, who I might add I said from day one, belong together. Finally, you came to your senses. I am happy for you kids. Doris somehow sent me this encrypted message to give to you two. You can read it later. Lt Rollins, congratulations, said the Governor. Thank you, sir. I missed you when you left the team, and let me say Steve was a bear and more grouchy than usual. I for one, am happy you two are finally back together. The governor gave Steve a dubious look. I look forward to seeing you on the island. If you want to come back at Five-0, you are more than welcome. Thanks, Governor for coming all the way out here. I am sorry your wife couldn't make it. Now I can eat what I want with her nagging, and he laughs. Thanks, Jackie; you are the biggest liar. I know, girlfriend, can I pull off a surprise or what? Just you can. I thought you two were up to something but couldn't figure it out. You can thank me later now go dance with your fiancé. Steve said I want to thank everyone for flying all the way out here to join us in the celebration of our engagement. I want to thank Catherine's best friend, Jackie; without her, I could have pulled it off. So please drink, dance eat until your heart desires. Kamie said, congrats my best customer, and I must love you too much to ride the train for 5 days. A train Kamie, why didn't you fly? I tried to tell him to fly, but he and Flippa insisted on taking the train. Flippa, a decision I regret 1000 times over. Are you flying back? Hell yeah! The governor said we could fly back with him on his private plane. Sweet, now where is the food? Duke and his wife came. Steve, your dad would be so proud of you. You have chosen the perfect woman for you. Congrats to you both. She hugged Duke and his wife and thanked them for coming. Jerry hugged her and said congratulations, and I don't mind losing you to the boss. Steve rolled his eyes. Max said Commander and Catherine, congratulations, and just let me know if you need any medical advice on how to get pregnant. Catherine turns to Steve with a look of Wow? Max said I meant to say at your age, it might be difficult, and if you have questions, At that time, Danny said Max, it's time to zip it, and let's get you a drink. Max made a face and said what did I say? Steve & Catherine burst out laughing. Now, fiancée, how about one more dance, and we blow this joint because I can't wait to get you out of that dress. You got it fiancé, and they played Michael Jackson. Let's dance, and everyone got up to dance, including the governor. Before they left, they took pics with the photographer. Steve knew some of them would probably end up on social media, but he didn't give a damn about that right now. He wanted to get his girl home to show her how much he missed her the last couple of years. They slip out. Danny asks where Steve & Cath, bro. I think it is truly Barry White time, and they laugh. Everyone had a good time.

AN: I thought I would have everyone come to the engagement party. I think Steve would have wanted to make sure this time his ops were done right. This was a long chapter, and I hope you enjoy it.