Confusion, Chap. 6

A/N: This chapter will close out this little arc. Thanks to Mychand, Rainbow_Severus, av981638, and AbbyGibbs for their reviews and comments. Enjoy the final chapter!-Robert

The intensity and anticipation in Cait's eyes only made my excitement grow, but there was one thing I had to set right in my mind. "Cait, if this isn't what you really want, then you tell me, right now!" I was thinking about what Cait had told me about what Bogan's boys tried to do to her before we'd met, and of course I knew about her sleeping with Sawyer before he kidnapped her.

"Hawke, I thought we agreed we weren't going to dwell on the past," Caitlin said as her fingers worked at the buttons on my shirt. I winced at her using my last name, but I could understand why she'd done it, and my hesitation evaporated as I quickly undressed Caitlin, but once she was naked, I had to stop again.

"God, Cait, you're even more beautiful than I imagined," I said as I admired her naked body.

"Thanks," Caitlin said as she finished undressing me, "and you're even sexier than I thought." I smiled at her as I lowered us onto the bed.

I knew Cait was nervous as she guided me into her, and to be honest, so was I, but I quickly established a rhythm, increasing the pace until I heard Caitlin scream, "Oh, String!" which triggered my own release. Then we lay there, boneless, wrapped in each other's arms, until I finally realized how much I had to have been hurting Caitlin. I began slowly trying to move, but suddenly felt her arms tighten around me like steel bands. "Don't," she whispered.

"Cait, I've gotta be squashing you. I'm so much heavier."

"Do you hear me complaining?"

"No, I don't," I admitted.

"Then just let me enjoy this feeling, String. Enjoy having you in every way, just like I've always wanted you."

"All right." I looked down into the eyes of the woman I loved and saw them shining with every bit of love Caitlin said she felt for me, and I knew she was seeing my love for her in my eyes. I have never felt as happy as I do right now, I thought. Finally, I withdrew from her, pulling her body tight against mine as I fell asleep.

I don't know how long we'd been asleep, but I realized something was wrong when I felt Caitlin turn suddenly in my arms. My eyes immediately opened and I felt her hand reach for my face. "String?"

"Yeah, baby," I said, reaching over and snapping on a light, "I'm here."

"I'm-I'm sorry to wake you up like that, String. I just had this horrible feeling that everything that happened last night was nothing but a dream. I mean, I always hoped and prayed you loved me the same way I love you, but I never thought we'd be together like this, and now that we are, it just seems so unreal."

"I understand how you feel, Cait. I mean, I never gave you any reason to think I loved you until recently. But trust me, this isn't a dream. You're really here, with me, and we really made love last night. More than once, as I remember."

Caitlin sighed and smiled, her eyes shining. "Yeah, I remember, and I do trust you, String. Well, like I said, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I can understand why you feel that way, like I said, and I'm going to spend the rest of our lives proving how much I love you. But, since we're both awake, I think we should take advantage of the situation, and I can get started showing you how much I love you."

Caitlin's grin told me all I needed to know. "M mm, I was hopin' you'd say that," she said as she slid into my arms and underneath me again.

Later that morning while we were having breakfast, Caitlin said, "Well, I was right."

"What about?" I had a feeling I knew what she meant, I just wanted to be sure.

"Last night was a night we'll never forget. At least, I know I won't. You were incredible, String. And I learned something last night."

"What?"

"The difference between just 'having sex,' and what we did, which I know was making love. And I love you so much, String."

"Well," I said, grinning, "that puts a lot of pressure on me to make sure that tonight lives up to it, don't you think?"

"I'm not worried," Caitlin said, grinning back at me. "String, I did tell you how happy I am that you've finally gotten your head straight about me, right?"

"More than once, Cait. And I promise you this—I'll spend the rest of our lives making up for pushing you away for as long as I did." I smiled at Caitlin's reaction to my saying 'the rest of our lives,' but I knew I meant it. Now that I'd figured out how I felt about Caitlin, I couldn't see myself living without her.

"I-I can't believe you said 'the rest of our lives,' String," Caitlin said a moment later, confirming my suspicions. "But I feel the same way."

"I'm glad, Cait. And I love you, too. More and more every day," I said, smiling at her. We finished eating and did the dishes together, then went upstairs and got dressed, going outside to sit on the porch a few minutes later.

"I never thought I could be this happy, String," Caitlin said as she snuggled against me. "You really have made me happier than I ever thought it was possible to be."

"I feel the same way. Like I told you before, I wish I'd figured out my feelings a lot sooner. It would have been a lot easier for both of us."

"I know, String, but there's no point in you beating yourself up over what's in the past. So," Caitlin's expression hardened as she looked deep into my eyes, "What's done is done, and we can't change it, so I don't want you to ever bring that up again. Okay?"

"Bring what up again?" I replied, and I was relieved when she smiled warmly back at me.

"That's better. I mean, this is gonna be a real difficult relationship if you keep holdin' on to all those stupid anxieties and insecurities. Especially when there are so many more pleasurable things we could both be holdin' on to, if you catch my drift."

"Yeah," I said as I turned in Caitlin's arms so I was looking into her eyes, "I think I really do catch your drift." Then our lips met again, and there was no more time for talking.

When Caitlin separated us a few minutes later, after she caught her breath, she said. "Okay, now that counts."

"For what?" I was trying to play innocent, but I knew Caitlin could see the smile on my face.

"As makeup for when you broke that kiss off back in the hospital room," she said, and I smiled and nodded at her.

"Good. Now I can start making up for all the other times I ignored your feelings."

"Well, String, you've got a lot of work to do in that regard, so I suggest"—I knew what she was going to say—I suggest you get started—or something like that, so I wasted no time, capturing her lips with mine again.

Later that night, I felt like I needed to say something. "Cait, you know this won't be easy. Aside from the danger Airwolf brings into our lives, you know as well as anybody how much baggage I've got, and"—

"Yes, String," Cait interrupted me. "I know all about the baggage you've got, and your tendency to run back inside yourself. Well, let me tell you somethin', Stringfellow Hawke. When I see you runnin' to that place, I swear, I'll follow you there and drag you back here to me, roped and hog-tied if I have to!" She smiled when she said it, but I could see the seriousness in Caitlin's eyes.

"Just making sure you know what you're getting into, Cait," I said.

Caitlin simply smiled, wrapped her arms around my neck, and said, "I knew what I was getting into the day I decided to come out here lookin' for you, String. But, I'll tell you this—if you don't shut up and kiss me right this minute, I'm gonna"—I cut her off exactly as she requested, with a deep and passionate kiss. When I separated us, after Cait caught her breath, she smiled at me and said, "Well. That's better. And I'm sure that makes up for something," she said, grinning at me.

"Wouldn't want you to think I can't follow directions, Cait." I smiled at her and saw her hazel eyes shining with every ounce of love she had for me. Then, something struck me as incredibly funny. "Well, Cait. I guess you've got the man now, just like your mom's been bugging you about, huh?"

"Yeah. And what's even better is that I've got the man I want, not somebody that Mom tried to set me up with. The man I love with all my heart and soul. I still can't believe we're finally together, String. And just think what Mom's going to say!"

"I can imagine," I said, then added, "Cait, I want to tell you right now that whatever your mom might say when we tell her about us being together, I don't hold a grudge against her for anything she's said about me in the past. After all, in a way, she's right. I was being an idiot, and a danged fool, and everything else you told me that your mother said I was, about you for a very long time."

"I appreciate that, String. Thanks." I smiled at her, hoping that she knew that I meant every word I'd said.

"String, I just have one question. What about?"—I knew what Cait was asking me, and smiled.

"About the curse? Well, I did a lot of thinking that day when I went flying in Airwolf, and I thought about everything you've been through since you came here—Holly, Sawyer, the hijacking, the deal with Kevin at that other air service, Jenkins, the time your sorority reunion was attacked, and every time, you've come out okay. Not to mention the fact that you kicked my butt at Horn's compound when I was brainwashed and didn't recognize you. I–I guess I finally realize that you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, Cait."

"String, I am so happy to hear you say that!" Caitlin's arms were around my neck before I could even blink, and she kissed me with everything she had, all the love that I now knew she'd been holding back for so long. I kissed her back with equal passion, knowing having Caitlin in my arms was the greatest feeling in the world.

By the middle of the week, I started wondering what we would do when we went back to the hangar, and Cait went back to her own house. I have to admit, the thought of being alone again depressed me. As we ate lunch one day, Caitlin said, "String, I don't want to go home."

"What?"

"You can't tell me you didn't hear what I said, not with that confounded super-hearing of yours. I said, 'String, I don't want to go home'. Unless, of course, 'home' is here, with you."

"Caitlin, what are you saying?"

"Oh, for crying out loud! Do I seriously have to spell it out for you? String, I'm saying I want to stay here, with you! Do you get it?"

"Yeah, Cait. I get it." So, we flew back to the hangar and told Dom what we had decided.

"Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that!" Dom grinned at both of us before we headed out to Caitlin's house to start moving stuff out. It took several trips, but we were able to finally get her moved into the cabin by later in the day. Fortunately for us, there wasn't anything on the schedule at the hangar.

"Thanks, Dom," Caitlin said as we unloaded the last of her suitcases. "I really appreciate the help."

"My pleasure, sweetheart. But remember, you two, you're still on vacation."

"Oh, we remember, Dom," I said. Caitlin and I stood on the dock and watched Dom as he climbed into his helicopter and headed back to the hangar.

"Well, Cait, I guess there's only one thing to say."

"What?"

"Welcome home," I said, noticing her smile at the emphasis I placed on the word home.

"Thanks, String. Now," she said, as I noticed a mischievous gleam coming into her eyes, "I think I should show you just how happy I am to finally be here, with you." The glint in Caitlin's eyes left no doubt in my mind what she was thinking, and I smiled as she led me up the stairs into the sleeping loft.

Six Months Later...

I had finally decided it was time to make our relationship official, and legal. I still remember the expression on Dom's face when I told him I was going to ask Caitlin to marry me. "Dammit, String, it's about time!" Dom said to me.

"You're right, Dom," I said. "It is about time."

"So what are you thinkin', String?"

"Well, I've already sent plane tickets for Cait's mom and her older sister Erin, so they'll be here sometime in the next few days. Oh, and one thing—when you and Saint John meet Cait's mom, don't call her 'Mrs. O'Shannessy'. I made that mistake a few weeks ago when Cait called her mother and told her about me getting my head on straight, and Maggie told me in no uncertain terms that she hasn't gone by 'Mrs. O'Shannessy' since her husband died, and she doesn't intend to start now, especially with any friend of Caitlin's." I had to smile as I recalled the phone conversation I'd had with Maggie, when Cait told her that I'd finally come around to their way of thinking.

Flashback

"Mom, you're never gonna believe this, but String–String finally told me he loves me!" Caitlin said. I had to jerk the extension away from my ear as Caitlin's mother let out an ear-splitting shriek.

"You're kiddin' me, aren't you, Caity? You mean to tell me that danged fool Hawke finally saw sense about you?" Caitlin glanced worriedly at me, and I simply smiled before I answered her mother.

"That's right, Mrs. O'Shannessy, I did," I said.

"God in Heaven! Hawke, I am so sorry for what I just said! But let me tell you somethin' right now–don't you be callin' me 'Mrs. O'Shannessy,' you hear me? I haven't been called that by anybody since Caity's father Patrick died, and I sure as heck don't intend for you to start now, since you're in love with Cait! You can call me Maggie, thanks so much! And, I hope you can forgive me for that stupid 'that danged fool Hawke' comment I made. I had no idea you were listening."

"There's nothing to forgive, Maggie," I said, smiling over at Caitlin. "I admit that I have been being an idiot, and a fool about Caitlin for a very long time, not acknowledging how I feel about her. And by the way, call me String."

"That's good to hear, String," Maggie said. "And thank you. I'm glad you're not upset with me for sayin' that. Like I said before, I'm-I'm real sorry."

"And it's like I said, Maggie. It's okay. My parents and Dom—Dominic Santini, the man who raised Saint John and me after our parents died—taught us never to hold grudges, so I'm not holding one against you. And, that goes for everything you said about me in the past—it's all behind us now, Maggie, and I'm looking forward to the present, and the future, with Cait."

"Thank you again, String." Maggie replied. "You're a good man, and I'm real glad you finally got your head straight about Cait."

"So am I, Maggie." I glanced over at Caitlin and wasn't surprised to see her beaming, but with tears in her eyes. I think the fact that Maggie and I were getting along made Cait very happy.

End Flashback

"Okay, String. I'll remember that. So, when they get here, you want me to bring them up to the cabin?"

"Right. But, don't tell them about it. And, would you do us a favor and make dinner that night?"

"Sure thing, kid!" Just then, I saw Saint John walking over, which was a good thing, because I had something I wanted to talk over with him.

"What's goin' on, little brother?"

"Dom and I were just talking about something I'm gonna do in a few days, and there's somethin' I want to talk to you about, too, Sinj. I'm planning on asking Cait to marry me, and"—

"You are? Finally!" Saint John exulted. I was glad Cait was in the office with the door closed, so she couldn't hear what was going on.

"Well, Sinj, there's something I'd like to do, but I wanted to talk to you about it, first." The recognition in my older brother's eyes told me he was expecting my question even before I asked him.

"String, go ahead. The codicil said that whichever of us got engaged first should give our fiancée Mom's ring, so it's okay with me. And before you say anything, I know I told you back in Da Nang that I'd give Mom's ring to Nori, but I asked Michael about her not long after I came home, and he told me she was married with four kids. I guess she got tired of waiting for me."

"Thanks, Sinj," I said, then added, "and I'm sorry about Nori. I sure hope you find somebody someday, and find happiness the way I have with Cait."

"I hope so, too, little brother. I feel like you're more the way you were when Kelly was alive, and if you don't mind my sayin' so, it's damned good to have you back!"

"You got that right, Sinj!" Dom exulted just as the office door opened and Caitlin walked out to join us.

"What are you guys lookin' so happy about?" Caitlin asked as she walked up next to me and slipped her arm around my waist, and I slipped mine around her shoulders.

"Oh, Sinj was just commenting on how much happier I've been lately," I said nonchalantly, not wanting to reveal what else we had been talking about.

"Well, I'll certainly agree with that," Cait said as she looked up at me and smiled. "You've been happier these past six months than you've been since I met you. And I'm glad I've been able to make you so happy, String. Just like you make me happy. Happier than I ever thought it was possible for one person to be." She smiled up at me, and I saw her happiness reflected in her eyes.

"And I'm glad I make you happy, Cait. And I hope I keep doing that for the rest of our lives."

"You've been sayin' that an awful lot lately, String," Caitlin said, causing both Dom and Saint John to stifle grins, "is there somethin' you're not telling me?"

"No," I said, uncomfortable with the fact I'd just looked the woman I loved in the face and lied to her. "Why would you think I wasn't telling you anything?"

"I dunno. Just old insecurity, I guess."

"I think I understand," I said. "But don't worry about it." Then, Caitlin caught the expression on Dom's face.

"Okay, now I know something's going on! What's got you so happy all of a sudden, Dom?" Caitlin demanded.

"Like I said once before, Cait, 'I ain't telling!'" Dom laughed. This time it was my turn to stifle a smile when I remembered Dom saying 'I ain't telling!' the first time we met Caitlin in Pope County, Texas, all those years ago.

"By the way, Sinj, there's somethin' I've been meaning to ask you about," Caitlin said. "Le's been callin' me 'Aunt Cait' an awful lot lately, especially when String's around. Can't you explain to him that I'm not really his aunt, just a real good friend of String's?"

"I've tried, Cait, but he won't listen to me. I think he gets that stubborn streak from his uncle. Anyway, he asked me about it a few weeks ago—I think he was hoping that if String heard him calling you 'Aunt Cait', that it might give String a push to make it official. So don't be mad at him, okay?"

"Mad at Le? Nah, I could never be mad at him! Actually, I kinda like the way it sounds," Cait said, smiling at me. Won't you be surprised, Le, to find out that I'm about to take the first step to making Cait your aunt, legally. So I don't mind at all, I thought. Then, Cait said, "And don't worry, Sinj. I'm not mad at you, either."

"How the heck did you know what I was thinking, Cait?" Saint John demanded.

"It was written all over your face, Sinj," she answered him. I had to smile, knowing that I'd warned Saint John about how good at reading people Caitlin was. And, as usual, he didn't listen to me, I thought. But, I rarely listen to him, either.

"That figures," Saint John said, then turned to me. "You weren't kidding about how good Cait is at reading people, little brother!"

"I tried to warn you, Sinj," I said, grinning at my older brother.

A few days later, Cait and I were alone at the cabin when I heard a helicopter approaching the dock. Well, here we go, I thought when I walked to the window and recognized the Santini Air helicopter, and I knew without even looking who was aboard. I had landed our helicopter a few feet away so that the dock would be clear, knowing Dom was coming, along with guests. "What's Dom doing here?" Caitlin demanded.

"Well, let's go find out," I said, even though I knew perfectly well what was happening, and why Dom had come. I stifled a smile when I saw Maggie, Erin, Saint John, and Le getting out of the helicopter, but my mood quickly changed when Caitlin glared at me.

"What the heck are Mom and Erin doing here?" she demanded.

"I just thought it might be nice to invite them out here," I said. "You were telling me the other day how much you missed your mother and your older sister, weren't you?"

"Yeah," Caitlin agreed as we walked out to meet our guests, "I guess so."

"Caity! So good to see you again!" Maggie said, then turned to me. "Thank you, String, for inviting Erin and me out here, and for tellin' your brother and Dom not to call me 'Mrs. O'Shannessy.'"

"Well, Maggie, I remember what happened the first time I called you that by accident, and I didn't want Dom or Saint John to make the same mistake I did."

"Good decision, String," Erin said as we walked into the cabin. Maggie was immediately taken by the art hanging on the walls.

"Your brother was right, String! These paintings are beautiful! And they're all originals?"

"That's right, Maggie," I said, knowing Dom had moved into the kitchen to start dinner, "our grandfather collected the art, for our grandmother."

"Well, your granddad had good taste in art," Maggie said.

"Thank you, Maggie."

"Y'know, String, sometimes I forget how beautiful this place really is," Saint John said as I moved behind the bar to fix drinks for everyone. "I should come up here more often."

"Our door is always open to you, Sinj."

"Thanks, String." Just then, Dom came out and told us that dinner was ready.

"So, String," Maggie was saying as we ate, "why did you invite Erin and me all the way up here, anyway? It couldn't just have been to let us see all these beautiful paintings."

"Well, Maggie, Caitlin had been saying how much she missed you and Erin, and I thought it would be nice for you to come out here and spend some time with her."

"Oh." I thought I heard something in Maggie's voice that said she didn't believe what I had told her, and her next statement confirmed my suspicions. "I guess I was just thinkin', and hopin', that you had somethin' else in mind, that's all."

"Why would you be thinking something like that?" I asked as we finished eating. Even though I know what you're thinking, and it's exactly what I do have in mind, I thought.

"Oh, just an old woman's wishes, I guess."

"Don't mind String, Mom," Cait said. "He's been actin' awful strange lately. Even stranger than usual, for him, and he won't even tell me what's going on in that gorgeous head of his."

"Well, that doesn't seem right," Maggie said. "String, why won't you tell Caity what's on your mind, for heaven's sake? I thought you loved my daughter!" Uh-oh, I thought. I better fix this, but fast.

"I do love your daughter, Maggie." Of course, I knew what Maggie was talking about, and why she was getting so agitated, so I decided I'd leave the dishes for later. I made sure everyone had a full glass of wine, and got a soda for Le, as we moved back into the living room. I sat Caitlin down on the couch, and got down on one knee as I reached into my blazer pocket and pulled out Mom's ring. "Caitlin O'Shannessy, will you marry me?"

The absolute silence in the living room made me nervous, especially the longer it lasted. Finally, Caitlin whispered, "God, yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you, String!" She wiped her eyes with her right hand as I slipped the ring onto her left, and then I stood up, pulled Caitlin into my arms, and kissed her with everything I had, and felt her respond with equal passion.

"String, I am so happy for you!" Maggie said when Caitlin and I separated. "I had a feelin' you had somethin' like this in mind when you invited Erin and me out here, and I'm sure glad I was right!"

"Yes, Maggie, and I apologize for being so mysterious about it, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise."

"Well, that makes sense. And, welcome to the family, String! I've been hoping to tell you that for a very long time!" She smiled at me as I embraced her.

"Thank you, Maggie," I said.

"And I'm sorry for sayin' 'I thought you loved my daughter' a few minutes ago, String. I was just getting awful agitated that I didn't know what you were up to, and it seemed like you were bein' awful cruel to Caity. But," she said, smiling at me, then at Caitlin, "I can see how much you love Caitlin, and of course, I know how much she loves you."

"Thank you once again, Maggie, and apology accepted," I said. And if Cait and I have a daughter, and some boy she's dating ever did something like that to her, I'd probably be the same way, I thought.

"Congratulations, Cait," Erin said, smiling as she embraced her younger sister. "And String, all I'm gonna say is, you better never do anything to hurt my little sister, or so help me, I'll be coming back here and give you a piece of my mind!"

"I understand, Erin. Don't worry, though. I love Cait very much, and I'd rather hurt myself than do anything to hurt her. And, I can promise you and Maggie both that I'm going to do everything in my power to make Caitlin happy, for the rest of our lives."

"That's good to know, String. And like Mom said, welcome to our family!" She finally smiled at me and gave me a hug, and I was relieved that she was okay with us getting married. Of course, I knew about her own marriage falling apart, and I understood that Erin was worried that something might happen between Caitlin and me, but I meant what I said. I know I'd rather hurt myself than do anything to hurt Caitlin—that's how much I love her. And I know Cait feels the same way about me. And, I thought, the way I dragged this out, and all the mystery I was projecting, probably didn't help matters any, I thought.

"String, where did you get this ring?" Caitlin suddenly asked me. "It's beautiful, and it-it fits perfectly."

"Cait, this was my mother's ring. When their wills were read, there was a codicil with Mom's that said that whoever got engaged first, Saint John or me, should give the ring to our intended. So, the ring now belongs to you."

Caitlin shook her head and started to take the ring off. "String, no. I–I can't wear this! This was your mother's ring, and"—

"And now, it's yours," I said, placing my hand on top of Cait's to stop her from taking off the ring.

"Cait, I was there with String and Saint John when the codicil was read, and everything String's saying is the truth," Dom said, smiling at her. "You know Jane and Alan were my best friends, Cait. I think I knew Jane well enough to say two things—number one, that she'd be very proud, and happy, that you were wearing her ring and marrying String, and number two, that she'd be very disappointed if you didn't wear it!" I smiled at Dom, even as I imagined just how disappointed my mother would have been if Caitlin didn't accept the ring. Something told me that would not have been a pleasant experience for either Caitlin, or me.

"I agree, Cait," Saint John said. "I think Mom would be very upset if you didn't accept her ring."

"Well, all right, since your mother wanted it that way. I would have hated to give up such a gorgeous ring, anyway."

"Then, don't," I said.

"I won't String. I-I can't believe it. I guess this means you and I are supposed to be together."

"I guess so," I agreed, smiling at her. And Mom would have said the same thing, I thought.

"Congratulations, Aunt Cait!" Le suddenly said. I remembered Cait asking Saint John about why, every time Le had been around the hangar, he'd been saying 'Aunt Cait' whenever Caitlin was around, and especially when I was around. Saint John had tried to explain to Le that Cait wasn't his aunt, just a real good friend, but it hadn't stopped him. And I won't stop him now, I thought. Especially since we're about to make her his Aunt Cait, officially.

"Thanks, Half-Pint," Caitlin said as she hugged him.

"Congratulations, little brother," Saint John said after he hugged both Caitlin and me. "I know I've said this before, but you two look good together. I think you two belong together."

"So do I," I said, remembering what Kelly's voice had told me that day aboard Airwolf.

"String, Cait, I have been hopin' for this day to come for a very long time," Dom said, "and I'm just countin' my lucky stars that I got to hang around long enough to see it happen!"

"We feel the same way, Dom," I said, as the three of us embraced each other.

Finally, everyone had left, and Caitlin and I were alone at last. I have to admit, I was more than a little worried about how Cait would react about everything that had happened, especially the fib I told her.

"String, thank you so much for tonight. This—this was perfect, especially since you brought Mom and Erin out here. And," she said, looking into my eyes, "I even forgive you for that little lie you told me the other day."

"Which one was that?" Even though I know the exact lie she's talking about, I thought.

"When I caught you sayin' 'the rest of our lives', and I asked you if there was something you weren't telling me. You said 'No,' but I still thought you were pullin' my leg. But now I understand why you said that. I mean, I never thought you were gonna do somethin' like this, but I guess that's why I love you so danged much; and why I always will."

"And I love you, Cait. Always, and forever. And, just like I told Maggie and Erin, I'll do everything in my power to make you happy, for the rest of our lives. I figure it's the least I can do to make up for pushing you away for so long."

"I love the sound of that, String." Caitlin smiled at me, and once again, I knew everything was right in my world. Then she surprised me. "Thank you so much."

"For what?"

"Makin' my dreams come true that day in the hospital room when you told me you loved me. I have been dreamin' of hearing those words from you for so long, String. I was beginning to think I'd never hear you say you love me."

"Well, you'll probably get sick of hearing me say it, Cait, because I'm going to be saying it a lot more often from now on."

"Never!" Caitlin said, smiling up at me. "I could never get sick of hearin' you say you love me, String. And I hope you never get sick of hearin' me say that I love you."

"Never, Cait," I said, pulling her close to me and kissing her again.

We were married three weeks later, in a small ceremony on the dock at the cabin. An old friend of Michael's, Judge Ronald Clevenger, performed the ceremony, and Saint John stood with me as my best man, and Erin was Caitlin's maid of honor. Dom volunteered to walk Caitlin down 'the aisle,' which was the walkway to the dock, since her dad was gone. After a couple of very emotional discussions, we had decided to honor the tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the wedding, and when I caught sight of Caitlin standing in the doorway of the cabin on Dom's arm, I silently affirmed to myself that she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met.

When Judge Clevenger said, 'Anyone who can show sufficient cause why these two should not wed, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace,' I found myself holding my breath, and noticed Caitlin doing the same. Although I don't know why I'm worried, I thought. Nobody here would stop this.

Finally, Judge Clevenger continued, "Stringfellow Hawke, do you take Caitlin O'Shannessy as your lawful wedded wife?"

I smiled at Caitlin and said, "I do," as I slipped her wedding ring onto her hand.

"Caitlin O'Shannessy, do you take Stringfellow Hawke as your lawful wedded husband?"

I saw Caitlin's eyes filled with tears, even as she smiled proudly and said, "Yes. I do," as she slipped the ring onto my finger. That brought the tears out of my eyes as well. Finally, I heard Judge Clevenger say, "Then by the power vested in me by the great state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Stringfellow Hawke, you may kiss your bride." I pulled Caitlin close and kissed her with everything I had as Judge Clevenger said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Stringfellow Hawke!" Everyone applauded as we kissed again.

"Finally, it's official, Aunt Cait," Le said later.

"Yeah, Half-Pint," Caitlin said, her eyes still shining, "Now I'm officially your Aunt Cait."

"You and Uncle String look real good together."

"Thanks, Le. I think so, too," Caitlin said, smiling at me.

"Congrats, little brother," Saint John said as he embraced Caitlin, then me. "I agree with Le. You two look great together."

"I feel the same way, Sinj," I said, smiling as I embraced my brother.

"Congratulations, String," Erin said, smiling at me. "I can tell how happy you make Cait, and that makes me happy. Just remember what I told you, okay?"

"I'll remember it, Erin. But like I told you before, don't worry about it. If I ever did anything that stupid and hurt Cait, I wouldn't stop you from doing whatever you felt like you had to. But I love Cait way too much to hurt her."

"I see that. And I hope I never stop seeing it!" Erin said, smiling.

"You won't," I promised her.

"That's good to know, String," Maggie said, smiling. "And thank you."

"For what?"

"For letting me stop worryin' that Caity would be alone the rest of her life. I've felt that way ever since she left Texas, but I see how happy you make her, and like Erin said, that makes me happy. And once again, welcome to our family, String! We're sure happy to have you!" She smiled at me again as we embraced, then everyone climbed into Dom's helicopter to head back to the hangar.

As I watched the helicopter leaving, holding my wife in my arms, I felt my heart beating fast. "Give me your hand, Cait."

"What's going on, String?" she asked me as she offered me one hand, and I placed it over my heart.

"You're the only one who makes my heart beat like this, Cait." She smiled at me, then took my hand and placed it over her heart, and I felt hers beating as fast as mine was.

"And you're the only one who makes mine beat this fast, String," she said, smiling at me. "I've felt that way ever since I met you. And I wanted to tell you something. That first night we were together was something I'd dreamed about for a very long time."

"How do you mean?"

"I have dreamed of being able to run my hands over your back the way I did that night, and touch you the way I did, for a very long time, like I said, String. Not to mention everything you did to me. You have no idea how long I have wanted you to make love to me."

"Well, now there's nothing stopping either one of us, Cait, because we belong to each other, for now, and forever."

"Yeah. Just the way I want us to be," Caitlin sighed as she moved closer in my arms.

"String, there was something else I meant to tell you about the day that John broke up with me."

Uh-oh, I thought. "Go ahead, Cait."

"Well, he told me that...that he thought the reason I didn't want to sleep with him was because, well, because I was in love with somebody else. And even though I didn't admit it to him, John was right. Because even when I was with him, I was, and always will be, in love with you, String."

"Just like I'll always love you, and always be in love with you, Cait."

"And just like I said the night we first made love, String, I am happier right now than I ever thought I could be, thanks to you."

"I'm just as happy, Cait, and it's because of you," I said, and I meant it. I noticed Caitlin's eyes beginning to darken with desire, and walked us back into the cabin, stopping just before we walked inside and scooping Caitlin up in my arms to carry her, giggling, over the threshold.

Caitlin and I headed straight for the sleeping loft. As we moved into each other's arms again, I said, "Congratulations, Mrs. Hawke."

"God, String, say that again."

"Congratulations, Mrs. Hawke."

"I still can't believe it—we're finally married! It feels like – like a dream, or somethin'." I smiled as I remembered Caitlin saying she thought she was dreaming the first night we made love, and I moved to reassure her once again.

"Well, if it's a dream, Cait, then we're both having the same dream. And I promise you once again that I'll make all your dreams come true, for the rest of our lives."

"Thank you so much, String," Caitlin replied as we began undressing one another. "I am so happy right now. Even happier than I was the night of our first date. I don't think there's a word to describe how I feel, knowing that I can call you my husband." She stopped for a moment and then smiled at me, that same smile I'd fallen in love with so long ago. "I never thought I'd be able to call you my husband, String. But now, I can."

"I feel the same way about you, baby," I said, smiling at her. "I am so happy, and so proud that I'm able to call you my wife. And like I told you before, I'll keep on making you happy for the rest of our lives. That's how much I love you, Caitlin Hawke."

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearin' that, especially from you, String," Caitlin said, smiling suggestively at me as we finished undressing and lay down in our bed.

"Me neither, Caitlin." I smiled as we embraced one another again, and I felt something changing in the air around the cabin. Like everything's going to be okay, I thought later as Caitlin and I fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms. And I feel like I've found the missing piece in my life. I remembered the nights I'd spent alone, confused about my feelings, and in the place of that confusion, I felt a happiness unlike anything I'd ever felt as I fell asleep with my wife in my arms, and pondered the future. Our future, I thought as I heard Caitlin sigh happily. Our future, together.

THE END