Chapter 9

Two days later Grace went around to Pete place where she open the windows to let some air in. She even had his stereo going so she listen to some music while looking around his home for the first time since the last time all she saw was the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

She look at different pictures that was on the wall. She smile when she saw one with his parents. His grand parents from when he was younger. She could seen the resemblance between Pete and his mother. The only thing from his father side was his eyes and smile.

Grace look at what books Pete got and music. Grace stay at Pete place for couple of hours. She turn the stereo off and close the windows since his place has been air out. She walk to the front door and open it. She stop when there was a women there

"Hello can I help you ma'am" The women was shock when she saw who open the door

"Sorry, I thought this was my son's house" Grace eyes widen then she look at the women in front of her

"Mrs Margret Tomaszewski"

"How do you know who I am" Grace grin

"sorry ma'am I'm Grace Shepard, lieutenant commander Grace Shepard" Margret look at Grace in shock

"Peter told me about you, but I thought he was joking about your mussels" Grace grin

"Your not the only one ma'am. Pete not home. But he will be home some time today. AH if you like you could come to my place till Hammersley arrives in port and I can take you down to great him" Margret look Grace over she was wearing white sand shoes, blue jeans and green singlet top.

"I would like that, thank you"

Grace step out side and close and lock the door then she turn to Margret and bend over and pick up the suit case that was next to her

"I can carry that lieutenant commander Shepard"

"Call me Grace ma'am your not in the navy"

"Call me Mrs Tomaszewski"

"Yes ma'am" They walk down to Grace SUV.

Grace unlock it and open the trunk where she put Margret suit case in then she close it just as Margret open the door and hope in the passenger seat and close the door. Grace got in and put her seat belt on when her phone rang so she put it on speaker phone when she saw who was calling.

"Grace Shepard"

"Grace it Steve"

"Steve what ever it is I'm on shore leave, so I'm not available for the next few days"

"I know Grace, Mike call Hammersley got engine problems"

"Why call to tell me"

"Mike ask me to call you on behalf of petty offer Tomaszewski" Grace grin

"How long Steve"

"Twenty four hours it will depends on how bad the damage is and if the chef engineer can fix the problem"

"Charge will find and fix the problem Steve he will only call for a tow only as a last resort"

"I know that Grace, look I better go I'll let you know when Hammersley is in port" Grace snorted

"I would know when Hammersley is in port when Pete text me two hours before they arrive home Steve so don't worry about calling me"

"Alright enjoy your shore leave Grace"

"I will Steve and thanks for calling" Then she press a button to end the call.

She then turn to Margret who was looking at her "Don't worry Mrs Tomaszewski it happens on some boats and he is fine and since he wont be home till tomorrow your more than welcome to stay at my place. We both know that Pete would agree"

"Thank you" Grace press couple of buttons on her cell phone

"Hello grace"

"Hi Janet are you still at home"

"Yes I was just about to call you" Grace raise her eye brows

"Why is every thing ok"

"Yes your grand parents showed up"

"Which ones"

"Both" Grace close her eyes

"Ah crap" Then she open them

"When did they arrive"

"Ten minutes ago I was just about to do up two guest bedrooms when you called... is every thing ok"

"Yeah Ah can you do up the third guest bedroom I'm bring a guest around I know it short notice"

"Think nothing of it Grace after what you have done for me and my family, I'll go and do that now"

"Alright and let my grand parents know that I'll be home in an hour. I'm" then she look at Margret

"We going shopping"

"Alright... oh your grand mothers found a man underwear" Grace close her eyes

"Where did she find them?"

"laundry room, don't worry I haven't told her"

"Thanks Janet, I'll be home in an hour" Then they hung up

"Ah craps" Then she lean back in her seat and pinch her nose.

"Are they Peter underwear" Grace turn to Margret

"Yes. Pete and I are together"

"You known each other for a short time" she said in shock

"I know that" Then she let out her breath

"When I saw Pete for the first time He drawn to me like a magnet and when I meet him I felt things I never felt before in my life. There was some thing about him some thing special. During the two patrols I was on Hammersley we got to talk alone. And when mike Flynn return Pete and I started seeing each other. We talk about our families and us. He told me when he saw me get out of the staff car he felt the same way I do. Yes I know about his other girl friends. He told me no one has ever captured his heart his soul like I did."

"Have you two sleep together" Grace was shock with what Pete mother has just ask

"Yes we have only after i was off Hammersley and we weren't under the same command. Pete is the only one whom I sleep with" Margret look into Grace eyes and could see that Grace is telling the truth.

Grace turn to look out the window. She then started her wagon and drove to the super market. When they got there . Grace took her seat belt off

"Would you like to join me or would you like to stay in here, I'll only be about half an hour"

"I'll come and join you, I could give my legs a stretch"

"Sure" they both got out and close the doors.

Then Grace lock the doors and turn the alarm on. They walk together into the super market where Grace got a trolley.

"Is there any thing your allergic to" Grace asked

"No, what bread do you buy"

"Wheat meal, what bread do you have"

"I have wheat meal I find the white bread today makes me feel bloated"

"I get that to some times I make my own white bread and rolls and I don't get bloated"

"Really"

"Yes" Grace push the trolley to where the fruit and veges are.

She look at them and started putting different fruit and veges into bags and place them in the trolley

"You got a lot of fruit" Grace grin

"Fruit salads"

"Oh" Margret watches what Grace dose and the way she pack her trolley.

They walk down the first isle where Grace put different things in the trolley. When they heard

"Mad dog" Grace turn away from the shelve and smile when she saw who it was

"ET how are you feeling"

"I'm good ma'am and the doctors said that ah... my equipment wasn't damage" ET said as he blush

"That good to know" then ET saw older women standing next to Grace

"Hello ma'am you must be Mrs Shepard you must be prod of you daughter, she help save my life" ET put his hand out and Margret took it and shook it

"Ah ET she not my mother" ET look shock

"Ah sorry ma'am... mad dog"

"Lead seamen josh ET holiday this is Mrs Tomaszewski Pete mother. She retied nurse" ET went white

"Buffer mother... Ah hello ma'am I work with your son" Grace notice ET look shock and he didn't know what to say or do next

"Relax ET any way I'm sure Pete might give you a hard time about it when he finds out" ET groan

"More likely when the crew finds out, I'll never hear the end of it" Grace giggle

"I'm sure you can handle it and as for your equipment I'm sure Nav will be happy with the news" ET look at Grace wide eyes

"Nothing happen, I swear"

"I know but you do owe her" Grace turn and pick up a box and past it to him

"This" when Margret and ET saw it was wax strips. He look up at her

"Swain did it" Grace grin

"It was the only way to see the area that was hit"

"Ah thanks, I... I better go"

"Sure oh Hammersley won't be in till tomorrow, engine problems"

"again, at lest there just over a year left before the old boat retires"

"I know"

"Thanks for telling me, it nice to meet you Mrs Tomaszewski and sorry about before"

"It alright young man" then ET turn and walk away. Grace turn to Margret

"ET was wounded while on Hammersley"

"I am a retied nurse you know"

"I know and ET like to play jokes on crew members"

"Peter told me about his friends" Then they carry on shopping

"Grace who is Janet"

"She my house cleaner"

"I didn't know the navy pay that well" Grace laugh

"Sorry, no my inheritance, my parents was was killed in car accident five years ago"

"I'm sorry to hear that"

"It hard but at least I got my grand parents. They come over two, some times three times a year to visits me. They show up and surprise me like today. They are lucky that I'm on shore and not on a frigate or patrol boat"

"I see peter once a year if I'm lucky"

"It can be hard on families when there love ones are away weeks, months at a time"

"Yes it can be alright"

"As for Janet, she lost her husband five years ago. He was petty officer in the navy. He was killed during a boarding. He left behind wife of five years and three young children. Thee years ago she lost her job when her boss went bankrupt. And then there was the bills, mortgage. She was two days away from losing her house."

"Doesn't she get any insurance from the navy"

"There was problems with the paper work. I meet Janet at NAVCOM when she came to see commander Steve Marshal one day. He was also trying to find out what was going on. I over heard them talking and can see she was a mess. And since I got a big house and the company who I contract to have do house cleaning, they went bankrupt. So I walk into Steve office and spoke to Janet. I offer her a job and fifty thousand dollar loan."

"That a lot of money"

"It is to her. She agree to work for me and to pay me back. Now she clean my place twice a week and she six months a head in her mortgage payments and she cleaning two other navy homes. And the navy finally found the paper work and got every thing sort. She received her late husband insurance and pension"

"What about the loan"

"Pay back in full two months ago" They carry on shopping.

Once Grace got every thing, she and Margret walk up to the counter. Margret watches Grace put every thing on the counter while talking to the person be hind the counter. Once every thing was scanned, bag and paid for.

Grace push the trolley out to her SUV with Margret walking next to her. Once they were close Grace pulled out her keys and disable the alarm and locks. Then she open the trunk and started putting the bags in the trunk. Once done and the door close Grace took the trolley back while Margret got in to the passenger seat. When Grace return. She got in and put her seat belt on before starting the motor up. Then she drove away heading home.

"Mrs Tomaszewski I better warn you about my grand parents" Margret turn to Grace

"Warn me about what"

"Soon as I walk into the house they going to be throwing questions at me left right and center and my concern is that you might get caught up in the middle of it. So that is why I'm letting you know now"

"Thank you, I can take care of my self"

"Just like your son" Grace smile

"Yes just like Peter"

when Grace turn off the road Margret was shock when she saw the size of the house "Is this your house"

"Yes it is and yes even Pete was shock when he saw it for the first time"

Grace park her SUV next to the garage. Then they both got out. Grace then walk around the back and open the trunk and got Margret suit case and grocery bags out and then close it and then she pick up Margret suit case with her free hand and walk towards the back door.

Margret look around the place before following Grace into the house. Grace kick her shoes off and walk into the kitchen where she put the bags onto the counter. Then she turn around and walk down a passage way till she came to an open door and walk in. She put the suit case on set of draws and turn around to see Margret walking into the bedroom

"I hope this will do. There bathroom through here" Grace said as she walk over to the open door

"This room is big"

"Thanks I design this house my self"

"Really"

"Yes ma'am" Then Margret walk to the bathroom and in to it closing the door behind her.

"I'm going to go and talk to my grand parents, I'll be in the living room you turn right from the bedroom door. You will find me when you hear voices, will you be ok"

"Yes thank you"

Grace walk out and walk down to the living room where she knew her grand parents will be. She walk into the living room when she heard them talking

"Grand mother, grand dad"

"There you are, what is going on with your, I found men under wear in you laundry room. Are you having sex Grace"

"Grand mother, that is personal and before you all start firing questions at me, I got a guest staying. Her son was meant to be back today but the ship he is on got engine problems and most probably won't be back till tomorrow. Now before you start you going to hear what I have to say and then when I'm finish then you can fire your questions at me and not before hand, ok" Grace said as she put her hands on her hips

"Is it this women son who you are sleeping with"

"For crying out loud grand mother I said after not before" Then her phone rings so she got it out and look at who calling and groan then she answered it

"Grace Shepard"

"Grace it Steve Marshal I hope I haven't called you at the wrong time"

"It would depends on what you want Steve"

"Are you talking to your boy friend" Grace knew that Steve would raise his eye brows

"No grand mother commander Steve Marshal from NAVCOM"

"Is he the one your sleeping with"

"Grand mother, no... Sorry Steve"

"Ah, that ok, I called you personally I know this is short notice but I need you in your ceremony whites and on the wharf in an hour" Grace frond

"Why is that Steve, why today I got guests here"

"The chief of the navy and chief of police is here to give crew of Hammersley and Bunbury an award for taking down free dream" Grace raise an eye brow

"Your joking dose the others know about this"

"No, all they know is that they got to wear their ceremony whites"

"Alright what about Hammersley any news on them"

Grace turn to see Margret walking into the room she look over to Grace when she heard Hammersley name mention and wondering it some thing happen

"They are back in port. Five minutes ago I ask Mike to tell petty officer Tomaszewski not to text you"

"I see, well ok I'll be there in an hour"

"Grace your grand parents and Mrs Tomaszewski are invited, I'm sending cars to you place they will be there in half an hour"

"Ok Steve we will be waiting" Then she hung up.

"Grace what going on" Her grand father asked.

"First of all Margret Tomaszewski this is Mary and Mark Grey, Annie and Grant Shepard my grand parents, grand mother, grand dad this it Pete mother. Pete is my boy friend whom you going to meet in an hour" Margret look at Grace in surprise

"Hammersley dock five minutes ago. And I got to go and have a shower, navy cars will be here in half an hour to take us to the wharf and you will find out then. If you will all excuse me and yes grand mother we will be talking about before when we return"

Grace turn and walk out another door leaving Margret with her grand parents. Grace went and put the food and drinks away before going up stairs to shower.

"So Margret tell us about Pete" Mary asked As she guested for Margret to sit. Margret walk over and sat down in a leather chair.

"Peter is my only child. He was a bit of rebel when he was younger but he never been in any trouble. When he finish high school he went and join the navy. He petty officer and serving on HMAS Hammersley. Have you got any other children by sides Grace parents"

"no, Grace is the only family we got left, our daughter and son in law was killed few years ago" Margret nodded

"Grace told, sorry for your lost. I lost my husband to cancer few years ago. Peter is all I got left. I want him to settle down and get married but all the women whom he introduce to me I didn't like them. Most of them just wanted to sleep with him and others all they want to do is party or get married and still party. They just didn't want to settle down at all"

"What about Grace"

"She different from the other girls first of all she polite and well maned and by that is because it the way the navy teach her. The small time we talk she told me how she meet Peter and the connection they they both have. I thought she was like the other girls till she told me some thing that my mother in law told me many years go that I had forgotten till Grace told me her self"

"What was it" Annie asked

"She said to me when she first saw Peter she felt drawn to him like a magnet that happen before they meet she felt things she never felt before in her life and... that there was some thing special about him. Peter told me the same thing over a month ago when we last talk. He told me that out of all the women he meet and been with Grace is different. He said he look in to her eyes and he was lost in them and when they meet for the first time he felt electric surge go through him like he never felt before and he knew right there and then he told me he found his soul mate" Margret look at the two couples in front of her. They were shock with what they just heard.

"That... I'm speechless" Annie said

"My grand parents said the same thing when they look at each other before they first meet. They knew, they were married for almost seventy years."

"A gift finding your soul mate like that it is rear. Sounds like our grand daughter has found her soul mate" Mary said

"I agree My son and your grand daughter are meant to be together" then she thought about how they meet and smile

"My late in laws they meet on a boat when they came to Australia and two generations later it happen again"

"Your right"

When Grace walk down the steps she could hear the five of them talking. She walk into the living room when the talking stop. Margret turn to see Grace in her ceremony uniform. She was shock when she saw what metals she got.