Epilogue

The weather was beautiful, literally perfect for a beach wedding on the North Shore of Oahu that Saturday. The sun shone on the sand brightly, making the usually tan color of it almost white with pureness. The ceremony space was simple, with a few folding chairs and a white gazebo. However, there was little you could really do to make the location and occasion more idyllic.

Behind a small area of trees, Molly and Victoria did some touch-ups to Joyce's makeup and primped her dress for the hundredth time. It was a scene none of them had exactly pictured, especially in the last few days. However, all had worked out for the best, and now, Joyce would marry Vince with her family and a few friends around. It was a happy day for everyone.

Chrissy watched the tender scene from her seat in the first row of chairs. It wasn't every day that two daughters walked their mother down the aisle, but when it did happen, it was too sweet for words. Not only did she watch what happened in the back, but also in the front. Vince waited impatiently in the gazebo, bouncing back and forth while his best man and soon-to-be-son-in-law Mike whispered reassurances. She hadn't been to very many weddings in her life, but she was sure this one wouldn't disappoint.

Beside her sat Steve, who looked so sexy she'd been tempted to keep him home. He'd ditched his normal T-shirt and cargo pants for a black suit with a royal blue dress shirt and a tie. He didn't dress up very often, but when he did, it was well worth it.

Danny sat next to Steve, as Victoria was his date for the evening. After spending some time with her while they were wrapping up the case, Danny had taken quite a liking to the short, slightly ditzy younger sister of Molly. It had been no hardship for him to ask her if they could possibly go to the wedding together. Although they didn't say anything to Danny, Steve and Chrissy silently patted themselves on the back. They had worked together to convince Danny to ask Victoria out, and it had worked out for them. It was good to see Danny find some happiness in his life besides seeing Grace every other weekend.

Steve leaned down and whispered in Chrissy's ear, "I have to say that this wouldn't exactly be a bad idea in the future."

Chrissy furrowed her brows. "What wouldn't be?"

Steve smiled slightly. "You know, getting married. I know you're going to think this is a proposal, but it isn't, exactly. I think we both know it's too soon for that. However, I would like to think that it could be a definite possibility in the future. Both of us have never been in a relationship as serious as this, and I think it's important that we take this slow. I would like to get married, though, Chrissy."

Chrissy laughed. "I would, too. I do understand what you mean. You're kind of saying that we make like a promise or something that we will get married someday, but we don't have to do it soon."

"I mean, we're not engaged yet. I think that should be an entirely separate thing to ask you when we have been together longer and both agree that we would like to get married relatively soon."

"I like that."

"So, you'll marry me someday, Chrissy?"

"Of course I will. I love you, and there is no one in the world I would rather spend the rest of my life with."

Steve kissed her forehead. "Me, either. By the way, how is your shoulder? Do you want some pain medication?"

Chrissy shook her head, glancing down at the bandage slightly revealed on either side of the left strap of her lavender dress. "It's fine, and no, I don't want any pain meds. What you just said took all of the pain away."

All throughout the ceremony, Chrissy couldn't help but think about her conversation with Steve. She knew she'd just made a huge commitment to him, but she definitely felt she was ready for it. She'd never felt for anyone what she did for Steve McGarrett. At first, that had scared her, but now, it thrilled her. She was moving on to a new chapter in her life. She had a new job, an amazing boyfriend, the most beautiful daughter, and friends she could really trust. For the first time in thirty-five years, Chrissy Raines's life was absolutely, positively perfect, and she could not ask for anything more.

I hope you all enjoyed "Trouble in Paradise." I will be back on Monday, August 26th with the fifth installment of the Steve/Chrissy saga, "Reunited?" Until then, happy reading and please visit my Facebook page (address available on my profile) for some story discussions and talk of the upcoming third season of "Hawaii Five-0."