Stacy's Big Day
Chapter 1
Jim asks Dennis for Hand in Marriage
After Corrigan's watch, he approached Captain Sheridan's office. He was somewhat nervous. Jim had been dating the captain's daughter for nearly nine months. He wanted to marry Stacy, but he wanted to do it right. That included asking Stacy's father for his daughter's hand in marriage. Hooker didn't even know Jim's plans. Though, to do it right, he was going to get Hooker's permission as well. Jim knocked on the captain's door, and waited for permission to enter.
"Come in." Captain Sheridan called. He was looking at the reports from the day before. His desk was piled high with paperwork. He looked up when Corrigan walked in. "Paperwork, It'll be the death of me yet. What can I do for you, Corrigan?"
"Captain, if you are busy, I can come back. It's not something that can't wait." Jim's hand was still on the door knob.
"No… no… This can wait. What do you have on your mind?"
"It's about Stacy, Sir. Has she talked to you, about us?"
Dennis sighed. In some ways he had hoped his suspicions were incorrect about Stacy and Corrigan, but Jim had just confirmed them. It wasn't as if he didn't mind Jim and Stacy together, but that meant that he'd have to separate a good team. "No, she hasn't talked to me about the two of you. Though I have suspected for a while that there might be something there. Why do you ask? Is there something wrong? She's not pregnant, is she?"
"Oh, no Sir. Stacy's not pregnant, and there's nothing wrong. I just wished to ask you a question, Sir."
"Well ask away. The floor's yours."
"Sir, I'd like to ask your permission for your daughter's hand in marriage." Jim asked nervously.
Dennis laughed. "No trouble… I'd say you are asking for that. Does Stacy agree to this?"
"I haven't asked her yet. I think she would say yes, though."
"Well then, if she says yes, then yes you have my permission. I would be honored to have you as a son. You do realize that you are putting me in a predicament, though?" Dennis said as he rubs his chin.
"Oh?"
"Yes, now I'm going to have to break up a good team. Finding either one of you another partner will be hard. On top of that, you two will be unable to work the same shift."
"Captain, I'm sorry about that. However, I do love your daughter. I don't think Stacy and I would want to work different shifts. Therefore, I am going to put in a request to transfer to another precinct. That way, Stace and I would be off at the same time."
"Transferring to another precinct would solve one problem, that's for certain. Finding Stacy another partner, is still a problem. One that I will happily take on, though." Sticking out his hand for Jim to shake. "Welcome to the family, Jim."
Corrigan took Dennis' hand. "Thank you, Sir."
After leaving the captain's office, Jim went looking for Hooker. He found Hooker in the locker room.
"Hey Hooker. Stacy and I are going to Armando's for dinner. Care to join us?"
Hooker looked at Jim and smiled. "Sure. Are you buying?"
Corrigan laughed. "Depends on how you react to the next question."
Hooker arched an eyebrow. "Oh, and what question would that be?"
Jim dug around in his pocket, nervously "I've already spoke to the captain, and have his approval. I just want your approval." Retrieving the ring from his pocket, he pulled it out to show Hooker. "Hooker, I want your permission to ask Stacy to marry me. I know that the only person whose permission I need is her fathers, but being her godfather, I felt I should ask you, too."
"Jim you want to marry Stacy? I'm not surprised, as a matter of fact, it's about time. Yes, Jim, I give my permission. In answer to my own, I guess I'm paying. Why don't we make this an engagement party? Go ask the captain to join us. Explain to him the reason."
"Hooker, I haven't asked Stacy, yet. How can it be an engagement party?"
"Ask Stacy at the party, and then it would be an engagement party."
"I intended to ask Stacy at Armando's, so I guess you're right. I'll go speak with the captain again. Run interference with Stacy for me."
Corrigan left the locker room with Hooker on his heels. Hooker headed in search of Stacy, as Jim went to speak with the captain, once more.
Jim knocked on the door to the captain's office, and waited for a response.
"Come in." Sheridan sat the envelope down that he had in his hand. It was for Stacy. He and his wife had planned to give it to her, the day she got married. He could still give it to her, even if Sarah wasn't around anymore.
Jim entered the captain's office, and shut the door behind him.
"Corrigan, twice in one day. What can I do for you?"
"Sir, Stacy, Hooker and I are going to Armando's bar for dinner. We are going to make it a celebration. I was wondering if you would care to join us."
"I would love to. Why don't you guys go ahead? I'll meet you there. I need to change into my civvies, first. Hey, no popping the question, before I get there."
Jim laughed and held up his hands. "Ok, no arguments from me. You're the father of the bride to be."
"I take it Hooker gave his approval?"
"Yes, he did. He's buying the dinner and drinks."
"Even better, but I think I'll chip in. It'll be the first of many bills I'll have to pay before this wedding is over." Dennis said with a smile.