Chapter 9
Later that night Grace and Pete walk into the bar pushing a twin stroller. They could see the Hammersley crew out on the deck talking, laughing and drinking. The barbecue was also fired up. So they walk over to the bar where the bar tender smile and past them their drinks
"One beer and cranberry and lemonade"
"Thanks mate" Pete said as he paid for the drinks then pick them both up.
They turn around and walk to the double doors. "Hey mad dog, buffer, you made it" Charge said
"Yes, where boss and x?" Pete asked
"They haven't arrived yet" Nav said as she step ford and pick up Sam while talking to her.
Charge pick up PJ and started making funny faces which made PJ laugh. Grace and Pete sat down next to each other after the stroller was put in a corner where some one wouldn't trip over it. Grace got her cell phone out and send a text message then she send it before putting her phone away.
Few minutes later Mike showed up "Hey boss is here" ET said
"Hi every one, I see you guys already started" When he saw number of beer bottles around the table.
"Want a drink boss" Charge said
"In a minute, can I have every one attention" Every one went quiet and look at Mike
"I've got a secret I want to share with you... well three. Grace, buffer and Swain are the only ones who know the secret. Grace did say no more secrets or it tooth brush duty for me" Every one laugh
"First secret is" Then he lifted his left hand Every one saw the white gold wedding band
"I'm married and have been for two and half years"
"Congratulation sir but why keep it a secret" Nav asked
"This is why it secret number two and three, you all know my wife... Kate"
Then Kate walk up the stairs carrying James in her arms. She walk over and stood next to mike
"This is our fourteen month old son James." Every one was shock
"But sir she been your XO, the navy..." Charge said then stop Grace stood up and walk over to Mike and Kate
"Mike go and get you and Kate a drink, I'll tell them"
"Thanks Grace" Kate past James to Grace since he wanted to go to her. Then Kate follow Mike into the pub.
"Six years ago mike was teaching at Watson bay. Kate was the student. After the course was over they dated for couple of weeks before Mike was posted on Hammersley. Remember when Mike was wounded and I was captain for the two patrols." They all nodded
"Mike told me about Kate and how hard it was for him to return here leaving her back in Sydney. He didn't want to jeopardize her career. But I could tell that he love her still three years on... I told him to find out where she is and if she still in Sydney go and talk to her. Mike being mike went on about the navy rules. I could of kick his ass for that" They chuckle
"I told him to go and talk to her and find out if she still got the same feelings. Well she did. Mike spent eight days with Kate talking... a lot till she received word that she was being sent to Afghanistan... they got married the day before she left and week later Mike was back on Hammersley. I didn't know about the wedding till few weeks later. And yes it did affect his mood before the boarding accident and when he was back on board." She look at them as they listen to what she said
"Mad dog dose commander marshal know that they are married and about their son" Nav asked
"Yes I found out when I return back from maturity leave. Hell the whole NAVCOM could hear them yelling at each other so I went to help find out what the problem is and came up with a salutation. That is for Pete and Swain to keep close watch on them, making sure that they don't cross the line while on patrol and they report their findings, good or bad to Steve Marshal. And the answer is no they never once cross the line" Then she look at James who was in her arms then to the crew
"So now you all know and this little fella is part of the Hammersley family and my god son. And he is so much like Mike when it comes to water you put him in a bath of water and bath toys, he will always go for the boat, he not interested in ducks, submarines, rubber rings and other bath toys, only boats... I should know I got them for him after he was born" Every one laugh just as Mike and Kate walk back out side after hearing what Grace said
"And James always get into trouble just like his father" Kate said causing another round of laughter knowing what Mike is like out on patrol.
James wanted down so Grace put him on the ground. He walk over to where Pete is and went for Pete beer bottle
"Woo there mate you have to wait for another seventeen years" Pete said as he pick Jame up and put him on his lap then he pick up his bottle and finish the beer before he put it on the table. Kate past James his bottle which he put it in his mouth and started drinking it.
"So if any of you got questions you can ask them now or later, so lets party" Grace said
Then she walk over and sat down next to Pete who was talking to swain. Grace spoke to Sally who was bottle feeding Chloe. Every one enjoyed them selves that night telling every one else a story or two or a joke or two that they play on one of the other crew members which cause every one else to laugh. It was just before midnight when Grace walk over to Mike.
"Mike" He turn around
"Grace"
"Since it almost midnight, how about giving one final order"
"What order"
"Nav and ET since from tomorrow he transferring to Melbourne" she said grinning
"What did you have in mind"
"What do you think" She grin and raise an eye brow before turning around and walk over to where the women are. Mike look around then yelled out
"Can I have every one attention please" They all stop talking and turn to mike
"Since it almost midnight I only got one final order" Then he look at his watch then to the crew
"ET as my last order... I order you to kiss Nav" Every one clap and cheer.
Nav and ET was shock they look at each other just as ET walk over to her then he kiss her on the lips which cause every one to cheer as they wrap their arms around each other. When they finally broke apart.
"Gee mate all you could of done is kiss her on the check" Spider said causing another round of laughter. Both ET and Nav blush then the crew started giving them a hard time.
An hour later Grace and Pete finally arrived home. They put the twins to bed before they went to bed them selves since it been along day for them both.
The next day Grace and Pete had a relaxing day. Margret drop by that morning to spend the day with them and also to baby sit the twins since Pete and Grace were going out to Chefo and Jan hens and bucks parties. Both Pete and Grace were home by eleven since they got another big day the next day. Pete took Margret home then return back home.
The next morning both Pete and Grace where wearing their uniforms to Chloe christening. All of the crew showed up. Some of them were still hung over from the night before parties. After the church service and christening. There was number of photos taken.
When finish every one went to Pete and Grace place for the luncheon since they got the biggest back yard. Pete and Grace left first so they could get change and see how the caterers were doing before every one else showed up.
When every one did including Sally and Swain families who was shock when they saw the size of the house and sections. Every one enjoyed them self's, having a wonderful time. Hammersley crew talking to Sally and Swain family.
Grace notice that Nav and ET were sitting next to each other at one of the tables so she walk over to them and sat down
"Enjoying your selves?"
"Yes we are"
"Is every thing ok"
"I start on HMAS Melbourne tomorrow morning" ET said
"I under stand. I know it going to be hard to see each other especially when you don't know when both ships are back in Cains at the same time"
"We know, we are going to keep in contact for the time being till we can see each other next"
"Ok just one question how long have you two had these feeling for"
"Before you came along. But we didn't know that the other felt the same way. I know that we flirt every now and then but that about it. We already started talking more after he was almost blown up by that underwater bomb. He knows how close it was for me to almost lose him" Grace nodded.
"Do you remember what I said on my wedding day"
"No" Nav said
"I said. With the work we do, one day one of us might not be returning. So if you love some one and they feel the same. Tell them and when there a window of opportunity, take it, It might not come around again for a long time or not at all. I hope you all take in what I said to heart" Grace look at them then she stood up
"Think about what I just said" Then she turn and walk away.
Every one enjoying them selves that afternoon. So Grace left the party and head into town she went to the supermarket where she brought a lot of food, then she went to the liquor store where she brought a lot of drinks before returning back home.
When she did. Spider, Charge, ET and Nav help Grace unload the car. She notice Charge was grinning when he saw what Grace brought.
"Mad dog there some drinks missing" Spider said then a van showed up.
Spider then smile when he saw it was liquor van full of drinks. "Alright, now lets the party begin" Charge said. Pete walk over to Grace
"Grace you didn't"
"Swain and Sally said it was fine and it will give their families a chance to see what this crazy lot can do"
"Your a good women you know that" He gives her a kiss
"Yes I know and I love you to" Then she kiss him
"Now how about helping them with the drinks, the meat would be here soon"
"What meat"
"Barbecue" Grace said grinning
"Steak"
"The best"
"women after my own heart" he said putting his hand over his heart
"Yes and it belongs to me" She gave him a kiss before walking into the house.
Few minutes later she walk out and grin as she watches Charge making guava mojo drinks while spider was getting the shot drinks set up. When the shot drinks was done he pick the tray up and walk over to a table calling out
"Shots are ready come and get is" Hammersley crew cheered. They walk over to the table and stood around it. Grace walk over and stood next to swain parents
"What are they doing" Swain mother asked
"It called shots first the lick the salt off there hand then drink the tequila and suck the lime, watch"
"Charge come on" Pete Yelled out.
Charge ran over to the table and pick up the lime in is left hand and the salt shaker in his right hand then put some salt on the back of his left hand. Then he put it down and pick the drink
"Ok every one ready... One, two three" They lick the salt then skull the drink and then suck the lime.
"Woo lets do that again" Nav said
"That is how is done" Grace said grinning.
Charge return back to making the guava mojo drinks. Grace watch the Hammersley crew as well some of Sally and Swains family joining in. Then she heard a van pull up so she walk over to see who it was. She smile when she saw it was the owner of the grocery store.
"Grace, having another party are you"
"Christening"
"Ah, here the meat"
"I'll ask for volunteers" Then she turn around and walk back
"Hey guys meat here some one what to help me get it" Then the Hammersley crew ran up and past Grace
"Pete barbie" Pete went into the garage then he push out the big barbecue then walk back into the garage and return with the gas bottle.
"Here guys put the meat in these chili buns, the salad can go in to here" She pointed to big containers that got ice packs in them to keep number of food cool.
Once every thing was done and Pete got the barbecue set up Grace thank the owner before he left. Few minutes later every one heard
"Guava mojo" Every one cheered as they walk over to the table where Charge is picking up their drinks.
Even Sally and Swains family try the drink and like it. Every one enjoy them selves that night and it was late by the time Grace and Pete went to bed.
The next day Grace was working at the hospital so Pete went to spend the day with his mum.
On Saturday afternoon Pete and Grace attended chefo and Jan wedding. Pete held on to Grace hand during the service and they mainly look at each other thinking about their wedding day. After the wedding every one went to the reception that was being held at one of the hotels.
Every one enjoyed them selves. Grace dance with some of the crew members but most of the dances are with Pete. When Grace was siting down after a dance she was drinking an orange juice when ET walk over and sat down next to her.
"Enjoying your self ET"
"Yes ma'am" grace look at him
"You want to talk"
"Yeah, can we go some where"
"Sure" They stood up and walk out of the ball room. They walk down the corridor till they came to some chairs so they sat down
"What is it that you want to talk about" Grace asked
"I talk to Nikki about what you said yesterday and you are right about one day one of us might not be returning and we should take the chance since there a window of opportunity" Grace nodded
"Well I thought more about it during that night and" Then he pulled out a piece of paper and unfold it and show it to grace
"It a lovey ring"
"i know and I know that Nikki would love it" Grace past the paper back to him
"What the problem then"
"Timing and finding the money. I got half of it save up." He fold it up and put it back in his pocket then he look up at Grace
"How much do you need"
"I don't like asking for money mad dog" Grace put her hand in to his while still looking at him
"How much. I can give you the loan, better that some bank who could charge a lot of interest on top"
"If I do this I promise I'll pay you back every cent"
"I know you will ET" He let out his breath
"Two thousand dollars. That is including the wedding rings. It on special and it expires in three days"
"How much of a special"
"Fifteen percent off" Grace nodded
"Have you got your credit card on you"
"Yes" Grace held out her hand so he got it out and past it to her.
Then she got her cell phone out and did some scanning and typing. Once she finish she check her e-mail account then smile. Once finish she put her phone back in her pocket and past ET credit card back to him
"It done"
"Thank you"
"You just keep her happy ok"
"Yes ma'am"
"It will be in your account now, so before you go tomorrow check your account and buy that ring"
"I will and when I return I'll show you the ring first" he said smiling
"I can't wait, now lets get back to the party shall we before your girl friend and my husband starts to wounder where we disappeared to"
"Yes ma'am" the stood up and started walking back to the ball room
"I'll let you know when Hammersley is in dock so then you can do your thing"
"Yes ma'am" They walk back into the ball room and went their separate ways.
When Pete saw Grace he smile as she walk back over to the table and sat down.
"Every thing ok with ET?"
"I'll tell you later"
"Ok when do you want to head home"
"When I finish this and been to the loo again"
Pete grin then he put his arm around her shoulder and put his other one onto her stomach as he lean over and kiss Grace temple.
Twenty minutes later they said their good byes to the bride and groom before leaving to head home. That night when they were in bed Pete pop up on his side with his head in he hand looking down at Grace
"So care to tell me about what up with ET" Grace smile
"Only if you promise not to say a word or else mister" She poke him in the chest
"I promise... so"
"He ask me for some money"
"What" Pete was shock
"Calm down he got his reason Pete"
"And that is" Grace grin
"So he could buy Nikki an engagement ring. He show me what one he want to get her. He save up half of the money for is and it on special for the next three days"
"How much did he ask for"
"Two thousand dollars, that is also including the wedding rings"
"That a lot of money Grace, it must be expensive ring"
"Nikki must be worth it"
"Yeah I guest your right" He lean over and gave Grace a kiss before they both move till he was spooning her from behind.
A week later Grace and Pete arrived on the wharf. They both got out of Grace SUV and look at the new Hammersley for the first time. Grace smile when she saw who was on the bridge
"Pete on the bridge" Pete got his duffel bag out and close the back door then he look up on the bridge and grin
"I was wondering if he was going to show up"
"Well he can't help it can he"
"I guest not" Then Sally and Swain arrived
"Hey buffer, Mad dog checking out new Hammersley"
"On the out side not like some one we know who want to check out the in side, on the bridge" Swain and Sally look up on the bridge. Swain laugh
"I wounder how long he been up there for"
"Who knows" Pete said then two people arrived they were talking and laughing
"Hello I'm Leo Kosov Myers, I'm new electrician engineer on Hammersley"
"Swain they call me and this is my wife Sally"
"ma'am, Swain"
"Hi I'm Rebecca brown. Bomber, I'm the new chef and medic"
"Hi bomber I'm the chef medic" Swain said as they shook hands
"Hi" Then they turn to Grace and buffer. They stood at attention and saluted Grace which she did in return
"I'm commander Shepard... mad dog and this is petty officer Pete Tomaszewski, as every one knows him as buffer and also my husband" she said the last past as she look at bomber. Bomber notice and smile
"Don't worry ma'am I'm married my self" she show Grace her rose and white gold twist wedding ring. Grace nodded
"So Leo got a nick name" buffer asked
"No, no one can think of one why do you"
"Yeah... two dads"
"Two dads why"
"Your last name mate"
"Oh good one... Two dads" he said grinning.
"Pete watch out for this one I smell trouble" Grace said looking at two dads
"What do you mean" Swain asked
"Paper bag trouble" Grace said grinning
"Oh, well we should get a board and check out the ship our selves" Swain said Then he gave Sally and Chloe a kiss before walking up onto the ship
"Why your there swain find out if Mike needs a lift to NAVCOM"
"Will do" Then he walk up onto the ship.
"We better get on board our selves it nice to meet you commander Shepard"
"You to bomber, two dads" Then they walk up on to the ship while Sally put Chloe into the stroller
"See you later Grace"
"You to Sally call me some time"
"Will do" Then she push the stroller along the wharf.
"I better get going since we got to get these boxes on board"
"I'm sure you can find some help"
"Yeah, will you be ok"
"Yes I will be, you look after your self"
"I will"
"And remember to watch out for two dads I got a funny feeling he worse than ET when it comes to practical jokes"
"Lucky I still got that bag full of tooth brushes" Grace grin then they hug and kiss once more just as mike and Kate appeared on the front of the boat.
Grace and Pete watch them hug and kiss before Mike walk off the boat and over to them. Grace and Kate wave to each other before Kate walk back the way she came
"Checking out the new boat Mike" Grace said grinning
"Yeah a lot different and bigger that the old girl"
"I bet so you need a lift to NAVCOM"
"That would be great,thanks Grace" Grace turn to Pete
"Fair winds Pete"
"Take care Grace" They both kiss before Pete walk up and onto the ship just as a car pulled up and a man got out.
"This must be lieutenant commander wright" Grace said
"Could be" The guy walk over to them and stop in front of Grace and Mike
"Commander Flynn, commander Shepard I'm lieutenant commander John wright" He said as he saluted them which they did in return.
"I've ready your profile lieutenant commander first posting on a patrol boat" Grace said
"Yes ma'am I'm use to frigates ma'am" Grace nodded
"I'll give you one piece of advice lieutenant commander... Trust your crew. Hammersley is like a big family. If your not sure about some thing. Ask the XO lieutenant Kate McGregor or any of the other crew and don't be afraid to ask for help"
"I'll remember that ma'am"
"Good you also got new crew members whom it there first time on on Hammersley"
"Yes I know commander Marshal told me"
"Good" Then Kate walk off the ship and walk over to the, she saluted the new captain
"Lieutenant commander Wright, I'm lieutenant Kate McGregor welcome a board Hammersley sir" He saluted back
"Thank you lieutenant, care to show me to my cabin"
"yes sir" Then Kate turn to Mike and Grace and gave them a nod before turning around and walk to the gang plank.
"Oh and lieutenant commander" He turn to Grace
"She married" He raise his eye brows
"Married"
"Yes to commander Flynn, fair winds"
Then she turn around and walk back to her wagon the lieutenant commander look from Grace to Mike
"Your the XO husband"
"Yes I am, fair winds"
Then he turn around and walk over and got into the passenger seat and turn to look at Grace she smile at Mike as she started the engine
"What I notice he was checking her out and he married" Mike grin
"You will never change will you Grace" Grace grin
"What do you think Mike" She started the engine and drove them to NAVCOM just as Pete and some of the crew walk off the boat to start taking the boxes on board.
TBC
Coming soon New Hammersley
