Title- The Greatest Gift of All

Author-Winnie

Rating- K+

Disclaimer-I own no rights to Hawaii Five O or the characters, but enjoy playing in this sandbox. No money is made from this fanfiction.

Comments-It has been a long time since I have written anything. The loss of Marti who was not just a beta but a sounding board and chosen 'sister' hit me harder than expected. This is the first thing I've written without her input and I would like to dedicate this story to her. It is Steve H/C with a lot of Grace and Danny involved. I hope you enjoy the story.

Danny Williams looked at the tree and smiled as his daughter placed another ornament on a middle branch. There were times when he missed New Jersey, but life in Hawaii had its good points. No snow to shovel being one of them, but having Grace living with him permanently was the best gift he'd ever been given. He'd invited Steve and Catherine to join them because Chin and Kono were visiting relatives and would not return until the New Year.

"When are Uncle Steve and Aunt Catherine coming?"

"They had to finish a couple of things at the office, but they should be here any minute, Monkey," Williams told her and held his hands palm up when the doorbell rang. "I wonder who that could be."

"I'll get it," Grace said and raced to the door. She pulled it open and smiled at the couple standing there.

"We brought pizza," McGarrett said and hugged the child before handing the box to his partner.

"Merry Christmas, Grace," Catherine said and closed the door. "Merry Christmas, Danny."

"Merry Christmas, Catherine," Williams said and hugged her. "What do you think of our tree?"

"Much better than that little one you had last year," McGarrett said, pleased to see that his friend was finally settling in to life on the island. There had been times since Rachel and Stan left that he thought Danny would go ballistic, but he'd fought for his daughter and proved to the court that he would do anything for her. He had testified along with Chin, Kono, and Catherine and they'd persuaded the judge that Grace would be well cared for if Danny was allowed to have full custody of her.

"I have a lot more to celebrate this year," Williams said and watched as Catherine helped Grace with the decorations.

"Yes, we all do," McGarrett said. "I'm glad you got custody of Grace, Danny…you're a damn good father."

"Thanks," Williams said and passed a beer. "I couldn't have done it without your help."

"Don't sell yourself short…the judge would have seen how good you are with Grace. You bought this place so that she could have her own room and a yard to play in."

"It's a good neighborhood," Danny said. "Mrs. Chow is good with Grace and she's agreed to pick her up from school on the days I work late. Grace likes spending time with Kimae and they are on the same soccer team."

"Danny, I got a call from Mitchell Lambert today."

"What does that bastard want?"

"Danno, can we put on the star now?"

"Sure, Monkey," Williams said and picked her up so that she could place the colorful star on top. He waited until she made sure it was secure before hugging her and placing her on the floor. "There's another box of ornaments on my bed."

"Aunt Catherine and I can get them," Grace said and took the woman's hand.

"Lambert swears he is innocent…"

"He not. I saw what he did to that boy, and I'm going to make sure the jury understands just what a sick demented bastard he is," Williams snapped. The jury had heard most of the testimony, but the DA had saved him for last and it looked like his would be the final nail in Mitchell Lambert's coffin.

"I know and there's no way he's getting out, but he's got a lot of friends, Danny. I think we need to take his threats seriously," McGarrett said.

"I am taking it seriously…that's why I'm hoping you can take Grace tomorrow. I have to be at the court and I'd feel better if I knew she was safe with you," Williams said.

"Catherine's got a meeting with the governor so I'll gladly take her," McGarrett said as Catherine and Grace returned with the ornaments.

"Danny, some of these ornaments look like heirlooms," Catherine observed.

"They are. My Grandparents brought them with them and mom gave them to me when Grace was born. She said they should stay in the family." Williams said and removed the angel his grandmother had placed on the tree the year his daughter was born. "My grandmother made these for each of her children and grandchildren. Grace was the first great grandchild and this is the last one Nana made."

"It is beautiful. The details are amazing," Catherine said.

"She loved working with her hands and did so right up until she passed away the year after Grace was born," Williams told them, his voice low as Grace continued to decorate the tree. "My mother was devastated by her loss."

"It's hard to say goodbye," Catherine told him and smiled at McGarrett. God, what would she do if she was ever forced to say goodbye to this man? She hoped she would never find out as she opened the pizza box and took a slice. "What…no pineapple"

"Not in my house!" Williams vowed and placed the angel near the star at the top of the tree before taking a piece of pizza.

"What time do you have to be at the courthouse?" McGarrett asked softly. Grace didn't have school the next day and he was looking forward to spending the day with her.

"I'm scheduled to testify at one, but I need to be there for 10."

"I'll be here around nine," McGarrett told him as Grace and Catherine joined them at the table. "So, Grace, what would you like to do tomorrow?"

"Can we go swimming?"

"Of course," McGarrett answered.

"And shopping?"

"Sure," McGarrett said and leaned in so only she could hear. "Maybe you could help me pick out a Christmas present for Catherine."

"Okay," the young girl said and smiled as she took the seat next to her father. "Danno, can we call mom tomorrow?"

"Sure, Monkey," Williams agreed as Christmas music reminded him of the reason for the holiday.

5050505050

Steve smiled as Grace opened the door for him and hugged her before entering the Williams home. "Where's Danny?"

"He's in the bedroom," Grace said and went back to the table to finish her breakfast.

"Steve, thanks for doing this for me," Williams said as he straightened his tie and grabbed his jacket.

"Anytime," McGarrett said and walked him to the door. "I'll keep her safe, Danny."

"I know you will," William nodded and hurried out of the house. "I'll call when it's over."

"Okay," McGarrett said and closed the door as Williams drove away. "Okay, Grace, what are we having for breakfast?"

"Fruit Loops and yogurt," the child answered.

"My favorite," McGarrett said and reached for the box of cereal. "Swimming first or shopping?"

"Shopping," Grace answered. "Can we look for a Christmas present for Danno?"

"Sure…do you have anything in mind?"

"No," Grace said. "I just want to find him something to show him he's the best Danno in the world."

"Something special," McGarrett said and knew Williams was doing a damn fine job with his daughter.

"Yes," the girl said and placed her dishes in the sink before heading for the back door. "I need to get my soccer ball and put it away."

"All right," McGarrett said and stood up to follow her outside. He knew the back yard was fenced in and Grace was safe, but he wasn't going to take a chance with Lambert's threats. He reached the door as Grace bent down to pick up the soccer ball and walked toward him. He leaned against the door as she reached the deck, but reacted on instinct when a flash of white caught his eye. "Grace, get in the house!"

"What's…" the child didn't have the chance to say anything else as someone grabbed her around the waist, lifted her off her feet and placed something over her mouth.

Steve stepped out into the bright morning sunlight and raced toward the figure holding Grace Williams, but before he could reach her two more figures emerged, both holding guns in their hands.

"If you value her life you'll do exactly as I say," a woman told him.

"Let her go and I'll do whatever you want!" McGarrett vowed.

"Put your gun down and back into the house," she ordered and motioned to the man holding the struggling girl. "He will snap her neck if I tell him to!"

Steve knew he had no choice but to do as she ordered and silently hoped Mrs. Chow was a witness to what was happening. He placed his gun on the deck and backed into the house, his hands held to the side, his eyes watching the bastard holding Grace. He silently vowed to make him pay for scaring her as the woman followed him inside.

"You must be Commander McGarrett," the woman said as the others entered and she closed the door behind them. "I know you are Five-O and a Navy Seal and that combination could be lethal for both of us, but if you try anything it will be the little girl who pays. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," McGarrett snarled.

"I'm glad you're being so cooperative. Now, where are your handcuffs, Commander?"

"I don't have any."

"Come now, Commander, I thought we had an understanding. I will ask this once more and I do hope you understand the ramifications of giving me the wrong answer again," she said.

"They are in my pocket," McGarrett answered honestly.

"Very well…take them out and fasten them with your arms behind your back. "We don't have much time, Commander, and I could kill you here and now, but I don't like scaring children and I'm sure she will be better behaved if she knows her uncle Steve will pay if she does something to anger me," the woman said and watched as he obeyed her orders.

"Who are you?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Dirk, take the girl out to the van," she ordered. "Once she's inside you and I will join them."

"It's okay, Grace," McGarrett said of the fear he saw in the child's eyes. He would have done anything to wipe that fear away, but right now the woman and her associates had the upper hand. He needed to be smart and keep Grace safe until he was sure he could get her away from these people without her getting hurt.

"Uncle Steve…"

"He'll be with you in a minute, Grace, but you need to do as I say or I will hurt him," the woman vowed and smiled as Dirk took the child out of the house. "Now, Commander, I had planned on only taking the girl, but since you're here it's added insurance, and if Detective Williams needs a little extra persuasion you'll be it. I don't like hurting children, but if you force my hand I will do so. Understood?"

"Yes," McGarrett said.

"Dirk's got the girl in the van and the street is empty," Lance Barker told her.

"All right, Commander, it's time to go," the woman said and linked her arm through his as if they were long-time friends.

Steve knew there was nothing he could do as long as they had Grace and walked alongside the woman until they reached the back of the van. He climbed inside and moved to Grace as Dirk pointed a gun in his direction.

"Uncle Steve, who are they?"

"I don't know yet, Grace, but we're okay…"

"Danno will find us, won't he?"

"Yes, he will…"

"Danno? Is that what you call your father?" the woman asked and laughed as she got into the passenger seat and Lance drove away from the Williams home.

"It's okay, Grace," McGarrett said as she snuggled close to him.