CH 8

After the decommission of Hammersley, everyone got together at NAVCOM's main function room for refreshments and drinks. Mike was talking to Steve for ten minutes before Steve was called away. Looking around the room as he sipped his punch, He saw Kate talking to two of the crew when he heard,"Lieutenant Commander," Mike turned to the voice that called to him and noticed the Rear Admiral was addressing him.

"Sir"

"I read your report about what you and your crew did in stopping that bottled water from leaving into international waters."

"Thank you sir, I've got a great crew."

"I know and Lieutenant McGregor, I read you both had a rough beginning',Mike smiled.

"Yes, we did have a number of deep throat debates. But we worked it out in the end."

"That's good to know. How did she do?"

"She's done a great job despite it being her first time on a patrol boat. She's done better than any other lieutenants I've worked with."

"I know about the others. Well, I'm pleased that Lieutenant McGregor worked out so well on Hammersley."

"It's a shame she has to be transferred back to Perth."

"You know about that."

"Yes sir. She told me. Who's ever going to replace her will have big boots to fill." The rear admiral smiled.

"Sounds like they will alright."

"Sir, there is something you need to know about Lieutenant McGregor and myself."

"What's that, Lieutenant Commander?"

"She's my wife, Sir."

"Yes, I know." Mike was shocked.

"You knew Sir, and yet you had her posted here anyway?" The Rear Admiral smiled.

"Yes I did. I spoke to the Lieutenant five months ago, after you two talked about your separation. I was going to send her back to perth but she said she wants to sort things out with you, that you both still have things to sort out. So I decided to keep her here, and after I read the reports, I made the right decision. You both work well as a team despite your personal problems. It's good that you got it all worked out."

"Thank you Sir. I had no idea that Kate spoke to you, she never told me."

"Because I told her not to."

"I understand, Sir."

"I can tell that you have worked out your marriage problems."

"How's that, Sir?"

"You're both wearing your rings!" Mike looked down at his ring and smiled then looked back up to the Admiral.

"We still have a few things to sort out, but it's going to take time. It's a shame Kate has to return back to Perth."

"Tell you want Lieutenant Commander, as soon as there is an opening here, Lieutenant McGregor will transferred back here but the question will be, where would she be living?"

"With me, Sir"

"That would be good Lieutenant Commander. Now, you know you might be promoted in the next few weeks?"

"Yes, I know, Sir. Does Commander Marshal know?"

"No,he doesn't, I'll leave that up to you."

"Thanks Sir."

A few hours later Mike was back at Kate's place for the evening after stopping at his place so he could change out of his uniform.

After arriving at Kate's,Mike decided to help Kate out of her uniform and out of her underwear while he was kissing her. Then she helped him out of his clothes before he picked her up and carried her to her bed. He sat them down with her sitting on him as they kissed. He then rolled them both over until he was lying on top of her.

After making love they got up and dressed as Mike had made reservations at a Chinese restaurant for that evening. That night Mike stays at Kate's place where they spent the evening making love once again before falling asleep in each others arms.

The next morning they made love again before getting up and showering together. Once they were dressed, Kate packed her things while Mike went to get them some breakfast. When he returned Kate saw that he had gone to Hungry Jacks to get their breakfast, as it was just down the road. They talk while eating breakfast about what they were planning on doing for the rest of the day since Kate was flying out that night.

"Kate, What do you think about we go house hunting before you leave?"

"That sounds like a great idea! Mike."

"Great, we can start after breakfast."

"Why not" They talked about other things until they finish their breakfast.

An hour later they stop off at the first real estate agency to see what houses were available for sale. Mike and Kate spent the day going from one real estate agency to the next looking at what houses were available. When they walked into the last agency they looked at their for sale listings when they saw one of the agents putting up a new one.

It was once a double house that had been damaged beyond repair in a fire. They remembered reading about it in the paper a month ago. The people who were renting one side set it to burn when they were evicted from the house for being behind in their rent. The fire severely damaged the other half of the house as well. Kate turns to Mike, "Mike?"

"What do you say that we buy that land, have it cleaned up and build our own home since there's nothing we've seen that we like."

"Let's ask some questions first."

"Sure." They walk up to the counter where the agent is working.

"Hi folks, what can I help you with today?" the guy smiled.

"That listing you just put up, what can you tell us about it, what area is it in?" Mike asked.

The agent told them about the area and even brought it up on the computer. The agent showed them the location of the land and other information about the property. Both Mike and Kate asked some more questions and were happy with the answers. They look at each other and both smile and then turn to the agent.

"We'll buy it," Mike said.

"That's great! I'll need to get some details from you both. Follow me Sir, Ma'am."

Twenty minutes later they walk out of the real estate office with smiles on their faces. "Let's go and get some dinner and talk about what sort of house we want to have built."

"Great idea Mike."

They went to a restaurant for dinner and while waiting for their order they talk about how many bedrooms, bathrooms, garages. A one or two story house. What sort of swimming pool and outdoor area they would like to have since it is a large parcel of land.

After dinner, on the drive to the airport, they talk some more about ideas for their home. When they arrive at the airport, Mike helped Kate carry her bags into the terminal. Once they were sorted out they walk over to where other passengers are also waiting. Mike and Kate sat down next to each other with Mike's arm s across the back of Kate's seat and Kate's hand was on his leg.

"Mike we should let the family know."

"Good idea, I'll give them a call tonight."

"Why not now?"

Kate got her cell phone out and looked through the list of names, clicked on the one she was after, then she pressed the call button , and put it on speaker phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mum."

"Mike! It's good to hear from you! Dad and I saw you and Kate on the news."

"What do you mean?" Mike asked.

"That toxic water thing."

"Oh that, yeah, well I do have a great crew behind me Mum."

"That's true. Mike have you talked to Kate?" Mike looked to Kate with a smile.

"Yes, he has Mum."

"Kate! Oh my God!" Wendy said sounding shocked which made them both smile.

"Are you ok Mum?" Mike asked.

"Yes just surprised and shocked. So, you two talked?"

"Yes we did. We got a lot out in the open." Mike said.

"That is such good news. So what will happen now? Are you two going to get back together or..."

"We are back together, but Kate's been transferred back to Perth."

"What? The Navy's not going to keep you in Cairns, Kate?"

"No Mum, I was only here until the decommission of Hammersley."

"It's a shame."

"We know, but we do have some more news..." Mike said

"Oh what's that?"

"We bought some land today and we are planning on building our home." Mike said.

"That is great news. The family will be so happy to hear that you two are back together!"

"We know they will Mum," Kate said.

"Mum, when the house is complete we will have the family up here one weekend that I'm on shore leave and Kate's got a week or two of shore leave."

"That would be great. I'll let everyone know. Mike, does Kate know about the gift?" Kate looked at Mike who was smiling.

"Yes Mum, she's wearing all three rings."

"Kate, what do you think of the ring?" Wendy asked.

"I love it Mum!"

"That is good and Mike, are you wearing yours?"

"Yes Mum, I am."

"Good."

They then heard the P.A. system announcing that Kate's boarding was to begin.

"Mum, we've got to go. Kate's flight is about to board."

"I heard and understand. I'm so happy for you both."

"Thanks Mum, we've got to go now."

"Ok dears, bye."

"Bye Mum," they both said and then Kate ended the call and turned her phone off.

"That went well," Mike said as they both stood up. Kate picked up her shoulder bag,"Yes it did and you know she will be on the phone to Don, David and Mel by now," Kate said laughing as they walked to where the exit doors are.

"That's true." They stop at the doors and turn to each other. They hug and kiss.

"Love you," Mike said.

"Love you too, Mike. I'll let you know when I get home."

"I'll be waiting."

They kissed once more before Kate walks to the double doors showing her ticket to the boarding agent. She then turned to wave to Mike and he waved in return as she turned to follow the other passengers to the waiting plane.

With a smile on his face, Mike watched as Kate walked up and onto the plane. He then stays and watches it take off before leaving the airport to return home. A few hours later Kate called to let him know that she was home. Mike had been up waiting in bed. He was happy that she made it back ok and was disappointed that he couldn't fly back with her since she was leaving for patrol the next morning.