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Juliet Higgins was working at her desk in the study when she heard Zeus and Apollo barking frantically. She quickly checked the camera feeds, and she became alarmed when she realized that they had been turned off. She immediately reached for her gun, hid it in the waistband of her skirt, and hurried outside to investigate.
As she reached the driveway, she was greeted with an oddly familiar sight. The lads were barking at Thomas, who held a duffel bag out in front of him. Dressed in a black t-shirt, khaki pants, and his beloved Detroit Tigers cap, Magnum smiled at her and set the bag down in front of him. To her astonishment, the lads immediately calmed and sat down patiently in front of her partner.
“What is going on here?” she asked in her haughtiest tone, matching the memory he was clearly evoking with this little scene.
Thomas favored her with his widest grin and began moving toward her, the lads falling in step with him. “Six years ago today we met at this exact spot. I thought it would be fun to remember how far we’ve come since then.”
“I see,” she responded, staying in character. “And you thought it prudent to scare me half to death by cutting the camera feeds?”
He put his hands upon her hips to connect with her, but kept space between them so that they could talk face-to-face. “It was the only way to re-create the scene,” he said, using his best puppy dog look to disarm her. “I couldn’t very well tip you off to what I was planning.”
“What ARE you planning?” she asked archly, sliding her hands around his neck but maintaining the distance between them, at least momentarily. “And how did you get the lads to do your bidding?”
He beamed at her. “The lads and I have come to an understanding. They used to chase me because they were protecting you from the freeloading charlatan who invaded your life. Now that they know that I am just as devoted to you as they are, we’ve worked out our differences. They even listen to me every once in a while.”
Her heart melted at his assessment. “Well, as fun as it was to watch them chase you, I’m glad that all of my lads are on such good terms these days.”
“You said ‘my lads.’ Am I yours, Higgy?” he asked, sliding his hands tightly around her waist to bring her close.
“You know you are, Thomas. Just as I am yours,” she emphasized sweetly, favoring him with a gentle kiss.
After a few moments of bliss, he pulled back and engaged in some good natured teasing. “You know, I find it incredibly hot that there is a gun in the waistband of your skirt.”
“Yes, well, as many scapes as we seem to find ourselves in, I find it best to come prepared.”
“You are such a badass, Higgy. I was taken with you from the start.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Magnum. You clearly disliked me, and you needled me at every turn.”
“I was awed by you. You were completely immune to my charms, but I quickly realized that you wouldn’t back down from a challenge. Our verbal sparring sessions were exhilarating.”
“They were maddening, Thomas. You vexed me at every turn and made it utterly impossible for me to remain numb to the world.”
“And you made it impossible for me to continue skating through life. I found myself wanting to impress you, and I made every excuse in the book to be near you.”
“And look where we are today. It seems I wasn’t so immune to your charms after all,” she admitted, cupping his cheek and kissing him sweetly.
When the kiss broke, Thomas excitedly shared his plans with Juliet. “Today is a special day, Higgy. I’ve got some things to take care of, so I’ve arranged for you and Kumu to have a spa day at the Royal Honua Hotel. Kumu and I have already packed everything you might need, so there is nothing left for you to do but enjoy it.”
“The Royal Honua Hotel, eh? I seem to recall a lovely, if somewhat frustrating, couples massage at that facility.”
He laughed. “You took care of me that day, Juliet, and I want to return the favor. Oh, and you and I will be returning there sometime soon to have a frustration-free version of that couples massage. I have it all arranged.”
“You’ve been busy. What are you up to, Thomas Magnum?”
“All will be revealed soon enough,” he replied cryptically. “You just have to trust me.”
“That won’t be a problem, Thomas. You earned my trust surprisingly quickly, you know.”
“Did I?”
She nodded. “At first, I trusted you to back me in a fight, but soon I was telling you my story and sharing my secrets with you. Before I knew it, I was trusting you with my heart, and you never disappointed me—not once.”
Thomas was touched by her admission. “Juliet,” he breathed, drawing her to him once more and kissing her thoroughly.
Once they broke apart for air, Juliet tapped him lightly on the chest. “So, my dear Thomas, as much as I detest surprises, I will blindly go along with whatever crazy romantic adventure you have planned for us on our six year anniversary.”
“You won’t regret it,” he boasted. “And you won’t engage in any laptopping to try to thwart my plans?”
“No, Thomas, Kumu and I will simply enjoy our spa day. Thank you for the lovely gesture,” she said said sincerely, caressing his cheek with her palm.
As if she had been summoned by the invocation of her name, Kumu appeared. “Are you ready to go, Juliet?”
“Almost, Kumu. I need a moment to properly store my weapon. Thomas scared me half to death.”
“You loved it,” Thomas replied, caressing her back. “You thrive on danger.”
“Yes, well, it is a job requirement of being your partner,” she said, pecking him on the lips as she reluctantly left his arms.
Turning to her friend, she said, “I’ll just be a moment.”
As soon as Juliet was out of earshot, Kumu asked, “Is everything set?”
“I have a few final details to finish, but everything is on schedule. I think she liked part one.”
“Based on the way she was looking at you when I came outside, I would say she loved it. Are you nervous?”
“Surprisingly, no. I mean, she already told me she would say yes, but I’m really just excited to see her reaction.”
“It’s been a long time coming, Thomas. You will call us when you can, right?”
“Yes, Kumu. It is definitely something we will want to share with our Ohana.”
Kumu hugged him. “I’m so proud of you, Thomas. I’ll be sure to keep her occupied so she doesn’t overthink.”
“Thank you, Kumu, but I somehow get the sense that it won’t be a problem. Have her back here in time for the sunset, ok?”
“You can count on me.”
“You’re the best, Kumu. Thank you for loving us both.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied simply, her eyes filling with happy tears as he hugged her once more.
“Is everything all right?” Juliet asked as she returned from the main house.
“Yes,” he said, automatically turning his head towards the sound of her voice. “I was just thanking Kumu for everything she has done for me over the past six years. I’m a lucky guy.”
“We should both be thanking you, Kumu,” Juliet echoed, smiling broadly at the matriarch of their Ohana.
“No need to thank me. Knowing you two has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Kumu told them lovingly.
Thomas and Juliet both hugged her tightly, and then Kumu ushered Juliet toward the Range Rover. “We really must be going.”
“I’ll see you later, Thomas,” Juliet said meaningfully.
“Enjoy your spa day, ladies,” he told them both before turning to focus solely on the love of his life. “I can’t wait for tonight, Juliet,” he exclaimed, his eyes holding and caressing hers.
“You two really need to get a room,” Kumu scolded them teasingly. “We’ll be back in a few hours, Thomas. No need to moon over Juliet.”
Thomas and Juliet both chuckled.
“I can’t help it, Kumu,” Thomas explained. “You need to get her out of here while you still can.”
“I love you, Thomas,” Juliet told him, no longer afraid to express her feelings openly. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“I love you, too. See you soon.” he replied.
With that, she ducked into the Range Rover as Kumu climbed into the driver’s side. As they pulled out of the driveway, she saw Thomas waving at her, his eyes filled with love and admiration. How different she was than the woman who looked at him with disdain (and perhaps a tiny bit of intrigue) all those years ago. She knew that a major change was on the horizon, and yet she felt a pervasive sense of peace and hope in a situation that had, at one time, left her paralyzed with fear.
Kumu was surprised by how present and carefree Juliet was during their day at the spa. They laughed together, and they fully enjoyed the pampering.
Later, as Juliet relaxed into her solo massage by the ocean, she couldn’t help but remember her experience with Thomas all those years ago. His exaggerated groans had filled her dreams for months afterwards, though she denied those dreams had any meaning whatsoever. Truthfully, she had feelings for him even then, but her experience with Richard caused her to bury them so deep that she couldn’t touch them. That didn’t stop her from making every excuse to be near Thomas. She followed him on cases, took care of him when he was injured, and laughed with him at the end of a hard day. He became her best friend in the world, and eventually she acknowledged her feelings for him and mustered up the courage to tell him the truth. She never regretted that decision for a second.
On their way back to Robin’s Nest, Kumu asked Juliet how she was doing. With a dreamy smile on her face, she said, “I’m glad to be coming home.”
Yes, today would be a day of celebration indeed.
___
While Kumu kept Juliet occupied, Rick and TC arrived to help Thomas. They strung fairy lights on the gazebo and placed tiki torches in key spots along the path to the beach. They also began dinner preparations so that Juliet and Thomas could celebrate their important milestone.
“Are you excited, TM?” TC asked.
“I can’t wait,” Thomas exclaimed. “This has been a long time coming.”
“No kidding,” Rick added. “We honestly thought we were going to have to lock you two in a room until you finally admitted your feelings for one another.”
“Yes, Higgy would have loved that. I’m not sure you two would have survived her wrath.”
“I’m not afraid of Jules,” Rick stated bravely.
“Uh huh,” TC countered with skepticism.
“No seriously,” Rick insisted. “I was just worried that any interference would have made you two even more stubborn.”
“That’s true. It was really painful to watch,” TC exclaimed. “You two have been in love for years, but neither of you could take the first step.”
“I’m just glad that Higgy had the courage to finally tell me. I tried so many times, but other men kept getting in the way. Ethan, Cole…even my brother, TC, here,” Thomas said.
“Sorry man,” TC replied. “I just wanted her to be able to stay with us.”
“I get that, but I still can’t believe that you thought that you and Higgy could pass for a couple, especially after she had already filed for a marriage license for our wedding.”
“She was scared of what she felt for you, then, Thomas. She didn’t want to have to pretend.”
“I know that now, but, honestly, it feels like some writer was just inventing obstacles to keep us apart.”
“You should have had Robin write your script. I mean, he got you two together in chapter nine of the first book he wrote about Higgy’s character,” Rick interjected, laughing.
“Juliet is still mad about how she was portrayed in that book, but she’s glad that Robin has fleshed out her character in his subsequent novel,” Thomas said.
“Yes, and now you two get to write a new chapter in your love story. Proud of you, brother,” TC said, enveloping Thomas in one of his patented hugs.
“Happy for you and Jules, Thomas,” Rick added. “Come here, man,” he said, getting in on the brotherly hug fest.
“Ok, we’ll leave you to it,” said TC.
“Yeah, I’ve got to get back home to my own fianceé. Call us when you can. We’ll all be at La Mariana,” Rick chimed in.
“Will do. Thank you for your help. I wanted everything to be special for Higgy.”
“I’m surprised you aren’t proposing in the Ferrari. You spent most of your time getting to know each other in that car,” Rick joked.
“True, but Robin’s Nest is where we met and fell in love. Plus, the Ferrari is a little too cramped for what I have in mind.”
“I’m shocked, Thomas,” Rick teased.
“That’s not what I meant, but rest assured that the Ferrari has been properly christened,” he said with a wicked gleam in his eye.
“Too much information, TM,” TC said, his head shaking. “Let’s go, Rick.”
“Bye, guys,” Thomas said.
“Bring our Higgy home, Thomas,” TC added.
“She’s been my home for six years,” Thomas replied with a wave, thankful to share part of this special day with his brothers.
____
Thomas stood at the edge of the beach, watching the love of his life approach. Juliet was wearing a white sundress decorated with an intricate pattern of gold and navy blue, and she was practically glowing in the waning sunlight.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” he told her as she approached, taking her hands in his.
“And you, my dear Thomas, are incredibly handsome,” she responded, smiling at his choice of attire. Running her fingers lightly along the buttons of his shirt, she said, “I told you this shirt would good on you, and I was right.”
“As usual,” he laughed. “Would you care to join me on the beach?”
“I’d love to,” she replied warmly, toeing off her sandals and allowing him to lead her to the water’s edge.
With the waves gently caressing their feet and the sunset painting the sky around them, Thomas turned to face her, took her hands in his, and looked deeply into her eyes.
“You know, the first time I asked you to marry me, you said yes,” he mused.
She looked puzzled. That was certainly not what she was expecting to hear from Thomas. “Are you daft, Thomas? I did no such thing.”
“Don’t you remember? I called you and asked you how you felt about being my wife. Next thing I knew, you were walking with me arm and arm into the Maka’i Hotel as husband and wife.”
“That was for a case, Thomas. It hardly counts.”
He grinned at her. “You still said yes. Unfortunately, the second time I asked, you said you would ‘respectfully decline.’”
She began to see where he was going with this, and she played along. “Of course I did. Marrying for a visa was a foolish plan.”
“But, yet, the third time I asked you to marry me, you said ‘ok, fine, I will.’ It was so incredibly romantic.”
She slapped his chest playfully. “You asked me to ‘fake marry’ you, as I recall, and my last option had just fallen through.”
“It started out as a fake marriage proposal, but I soon found myself wanting it to be real,” he told her earnestly.
Her face fell. “And I hurt you by backing out. I know we’ve discussed this before, but I’m still remorseful.”
Thomas kissed her gently. “I know, Juliet. I’m just so happy that Robin helped you stay in Hawai’i.”
“I seem to recall that your dogged research efforts made it possible.”
“How did you know about that?” he asked, surprised that she had been made aware of the lengths he’d gone to keep her with him.
“Robin told me. I will be forever grateful to the both of you for helping me stay here. You are my home, Thomas,” she said, unable to resist capturing his lips in a sweet kiss.
“And you are mine as well, Juliet, so I’m hoping that the fifth time will be the charm.”
She cocked her head to the side, her confusion evident. “Fifth? What happened to the fourth?”
“Well, you thought I was going to propose and freaked out on me. I wouldn’t count it, except you essentially proposed a proposal to me when we were dancing at La Mariana. For all intents and purposes, it was the fourth time that marriage was on the table.”
“You are a ridiculous man, and that makes absolutely no sense,” she laughed.
“But you love me anyway,” he reminded her playfully, still confident in his assessment.
“Yes, Thomas, I love you with my whole heart. You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“And you, my love, have given me a life I never thought was possible. Six years ago, I was adrift on the ocean. But like the waves beneath us, I miraculously found this beautiful, mysterious, and remote island shore. I couldn’t help it. I kept coming back day after day to explore, hoping that she would allow me to stay. Little by little, day by day, I became a part of her and she became a part of me, and now I cannot imagine my life without her in it. ”
Tears welled in her eyes as Thomas described their love story.
Thomas then knelt before her, the waves caressing his lower body as he held out his mother’s ring to her. “And so, Juliet, my incredible partner, my dearest friend, and my beloved Higgy, will you please marry me and allow me to finally become your husband?”
Her face brightening with pure joy, she quickly gave him the answer he had been waiting so long to hear. “Yes,” she replied decisively, fulfilling her promise from the dance they shared not so long ago.
She allowed him to slip the ring on her finger before drawing him up to her for a passionate kiss. The sunset bathed them in its most beautiful colors as they sealed their commitment to one another.
After the kiss ended, Thomas asked if she was ready to share the news with their Ohana. They took a quick picture to commemorate the momentous occasion, and then they initiated a video call with their friends.
“We’ve been waiting for your call,” Rick said, widening the view so that all of their friends were in the frame. “What’s the verdict?”
“We’ve decided to expand our partnership,” Juliet replied giddily, holding up the ring to the camera.
Thomas looked at her adoringly, adding, “I finally convinced her. The fifth time was the charm.”
Their news was met with a round of cheers from their chosen family.
“Don’t back out this time, Jules,” Rick teased, only to have Suzy poke him forcefully in the ribs. “Ow.”
Thomas hugged Juliet tightly, knowing that she still carried some residual guilt. “That was Gordy’s fault,” he insisted.
“How was I to know that you two were hopelessly in love back then? You were always bickering,” Katsumoto said defensively.
“Yes, well, we weren’t really ready then. We are now,” Juliet said, kissing Thomas sweetly.
“You are absolutely right…Muffin.”
“I am not a breakfast pastry, Magnum,” she said sternly, but her eyes flashed with humor.
“OK, what about Boo?”
“If you know what’s good for you, Thomas, you will refrain from using such ridiculous nicknames.”
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Magnum,” he teased.
“Don’t call me that,” she said, pausing for dramatic effect. “At least wait until after the wedding.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he laughed, kissing her soundly.
“I’m officially keeping my name though.”
“Of course you are. I have loved you as Higgins, Higgy, and Juliet, and I would never want you to change.”
“And I have loved you as Magnum, Thomas, and insufferable man child, and I would never want you to change either as long as I can call you mine.”
“Then we are in agreement, partner.”
“Always, partner,” she concurred, celebrating with another gentle kiss.
Their friends laughed and cheered, offering them a variety of congratulatory messages.
Changing the subject, Juliet asked, “Who won the pool?”
“Kumu,” Lara reported, happy to be there to celebrate with her husband’s friends.
“Yeah, but she has an unfair advantage. She lives there, so she can spy on you,” Rick pouted.
“No need to spy. They don’t hide anything these days,” Kumu replied.
“Yeah, guys. I think you scarred for her life a couple of times,” Shammy said.
“We’re sorry, Kumu. Truly,” Juliet said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just thrilled that you two finally figured out that you belong together.”
“Thanks, Kumu,” Thomas told her.
“Of course, it helps that I now live in the guest house. It’s much quieter down there,” she teased.
Kumu’s comments sparked another round of teasing and congratulations before Thomas said, “I think that’s our cue. Goodnight everyone.”
“Go celebrate,” TC said. “We love you guys.”
“We love you, too. Goodnight.” Juliet told them, disconnecting the video chat.
Their next call was to Uncle Bernardo, and he was thrilled with the news.
“I told you, Thomas. You two have undeniable chemistry. So glad you finally figured it out.”
“I knew then. I just didn’t think I had a chance with her.”
“It was always going to be you, Thomas. We just needed some time to heal,” she said, kissing him reassuringly.
“Welcome to the family, Juliet.”
“Thank you, Bernardo. I promise to take care of him,” Juliet said solemnly.
“We’ll take care of each other just as we have always done,” Thomas added
“Of that, I have no doubt. Have you set a date yet?” Bernardo asked.
“No, but I don’t want to wait too long,” Juliet insisted.
“You don’t?” Thomas asked, his surprise evident.
“No. Six years has been quite long enough, don’t you agree?”
“I do,” he said, forgetting about their audience and losing himself in her kiss.
Bernardo cleared his throat, and the couple broke apart. “Well, call me when you have a date set. In the meantime, stop wasting your time talking to an old man and go celebrate.”
“We will. Love you, Tio Bernardo.”
“Yes, and please send Ana our love as well,” Juliet added.
“I will. Love you both.”
“Goodbye,” they replied in unison.
The newly engaged couple shared a series of loving kisses before Thomas asked, “Are you hungry?”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I just want to hold you for a while and savor this day just a little bit longer. The sunset is still putting on a lovely show.”
“Lead the way, Juliet.”
She led them to a lounger on the beach and allowed him to settle into the cushions. She then arranged herself beside him so that she could rest her head on his chest. They held each other in silence for a while, just enjoying the riot of colors in the sky.
As the the blanket of night escorted the sun into slumber, Juliet looked up at Thomas, her face bathed in the soft light of the tiki torches. “You are truly the most romantic man I’ve ever met.”
“So you liked the proposal?” he asked hopefully.
“I loved it, Thomas,” she assured him, reaching up to caress his cheek. “The walk down memory lane was inspired, and I was so touched that you included the lads as well as our Ohana.”
“They were with us every step of the way, so I wanted them to be a part of our engagement as well.”
“It was perfect. I love this family we have created.”
“I’m hoping to add to it one day.”
“I am too, Thomas. I was serious when I said that I don’t want to wait long to get married.”
“Do you have a date in mind?”
“How about one month from today on September 24th?”
“Any reason in particular?”
“You and I both prefer a simple ceremony on this beach with our Ohana, and it seems like the perfect day to start the next chapter of our journey.”
“Let’s check with Robin, Bernardo, and Ana to see if they can fly in. I can’t wait to finally marry you.”
She smiled lovingly at him. “And I can’t wait to finally marry you. I was right when I stated that you would make someone very happy someday.”
“You’re usually right, Higgy. Who’s the lucky girl?”
She held up the sparkling ring on her finger. “I believe I am, Thomas. I love you…so much.”
“I love you too, Juliet. Hopping that fence was the best decision I ever made.”
“Even better than asking me to marry you?” she teased.
“Well, no, but if I hadn’t moved to Robin’s Nest, we might never have met.”
“Hmm, well in that case, I suppose my best decision was stopping Zeus and Apollo from tearing you limb from limb.”
“I have it on good authority that you like my limbs,” he said with a smirk.
“Hmm,” she murmured, climbing on top of him and pressing herself suggestively against his body. “I do indeed along with your other…appendages.”
“Lucky me,” he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her.
Juliet leaned down to kiss him, and they made love under the stars in celebration of their union.
One month later, they were surrounded by their Ohana as they enjoyed their premiere as a married couple. The lads served as their ring bearers, and their vows were carefully crafted to reflect the beauty and humor of their love story.
Juliet Higgins had grounded Thomas and given him a purpose. Thomas Magnum had freed Juliet from her past and given her a family. Their surprising journey from antagonists to life partners had included many missteps and several proposals, but the fifth time was indeed the charm.