Aloha ⭐️

43 - Future Looks Bright

**Few Weeks Later**

I woke up and instantly panicked because Talia didn't wake up to be fed. I quickly rolled over to see the bassinet empty.

I sat up in bed and instantly heard Steve talking quietly.

"We wanted mom to get some sleep didn't we?" Steve asked. I smiled knowing he was out on the upstairs deck. I snuck to the doorway to listen. "Mommy deserves to get some sleep and I don't think I'm doing too bad with this morning routine thing. You're a better work out than doing laps." Steve said and I stifled my laugh.

Steve was quiet for a minute as I peeked out to see him feeding Talia. "What makes me laugh though baby girl is mommy thinking she can spy on daddy when he is trained to hear every little sound." Steve said and I laughed walking outside. Steve smiled at me, I leaned down when I reach him giving him and kiss and then kissed Talia on her head.

"How are my two favorite people this morning?" I asked.

"We thought you would sleep in a little longer and we were going to have some daddy daughter bonding time." Steve said.

"Steve you know I love you but you have bonded with her more than I have." I chuckled and Steve smiled as Talia finished her bottle. I handed Steve the burp cloth and he placed it on his shoulder and started patting her back.

"Well my paternal leave is over soon and I just want all the time with her." Steve said and I smiled at home.

"Well since you are preoccupied with the girl who has all of your attention now, would you like me to go make breakfast?" I smiled and winked at Steve.

"Already done. Nothing crazy just some eggs staying warm, toast and fresh fruit cut up." Steve said. I looked at him surprised.

"Have you slept at all?" I asked and he shrugged.

"Did I ever before?" Steve said and I sighed. I gave him a kiss and went to walk downstairs. I passed Mary's old room which was now the nursery and I saw the crib put together. I knew then Steve didn't sleep at all. He was taking this protection thing too far.

I walked back out to the deck and took Talia from Steve and continued to pat her back.

"What the heck?!" Steve asked.

"You are to march back in the bedroom and get some sleep. I saw the crib was put together. I know you want to protect us Steve but we are safe and you need sleep." I said and placed my hand on his cheek. He sighed and hung his head.

"After you eat and change her will you come cuddle with me?" Steve asked and I nodded.

"Of course, now get to bed..." I said pointing to the room. Steve stood up, saluted me and walked into the room as I headed downstairs.

"Daddy is crazy huh?" I asked Talia and kissed her cheek. She gave me a few really good burps and I was fixing my own breakfast as I held Talia.

I finished eating, changed Talia and then headed back upstairs. As I got to the bedroom Steve was sleeping soundly and I didn't want to wake him by getting in the bed. Although I did promise him I would.

I put Talia in her bassinet and she was quickly asleep. I got in bed and Steve quickly pulled me to him and I giggled.

"Now I can sleep better." Steve grumbled.

"Just sleep Steve." I said and the McGarrett household was all now taking an early morning nap together.

**STEVE POV**

A few days later I was inside working on dinner and I looked out the window and I saw Talia laying on her back on a blanket and Cali hovering over her making baby noises at her.

There was a knock on the front door and I knew who it was. I was actually surprised they hadn't been over here everyday. I opened the door to see Danny, Grace and Rachel all standing there.

"Hey, I know you want the baby, she is out back with Cali." I said. Rachel and Grace went rushing out the back and Danny huffed a laugh.

"How's fatherhood been?" Danny asked as we walked to the kitchen and I got us both a beer.

"Amazing. I've been trying to just get as much time with her as I can." I smiled.

"And what about Cali? You were looking at proposing before she found out she was pregnant. Has that changed?" Danny asked. I shook my head.

"No, I still want to but I don't want to do it now, it just makes it seem like I'm doing it because of the baby. I mean we all know it's not but I want to do it when her and I know it's right." I explained and Danny nodded.

"Just don't make her wait too long Steve. Yes, she loves you and had a baby with you but women want commitment too." Steve said.

"I know, trust me." I said and we looked out the back door at the girls in the back. I smiled seeing my girls back there having fun with Rachel and Grace.

"You ready to come back to work next week?" Danny asked and I groaned.

"No. I know I have to but I just worry about them." I said.

"Why worry? I mean the stalker was caught, there have been no immediate threats for once everything is going perfect. Don't panic and know when you return to work everything will be fine." Danny said and I just gave a small nod.

"I know...it's just...nevermind it's stupid." I stated to say.

"Come on, spill it." Danny said.

"Well it's just after my mom died when I was a teenager and then my father being killed I never thought I would have all of this. I never thought I would have my own family to protect. Now that I do it's all I can do to protect them and take care of them." I explained.

"I get it, I really do, but right now Steve everything couldn't be couldn't better for you. Your past wasn't the greatest but you are going to have a good future." Danny said and I clapped him on the back.

"Thanks man." I said smiling at him.

Danny was right, my future was looking very bright.