Chapter 10
Kate didn't see Buffer when he returned to the ship, she didn't see him until he entered the bridge as they were about to leave port. He had a huge smile on his face and there as a spring in his step as he said hello to everyone.
"You seem happy Buffer," Mike smiled. "Good trip out?" He asked and Buffer responded in the affirmative.
"In fact Sir I have some news that I would love to share with the crew." Buffer said causing Kate to say congratulations making Mike even more confused. "A few hours ago I asked Alexandra to marry me and she said yes."
"Seriously?" Spider asked completely in shock.
"I asked her this afternoon and she said yes." Buffer replied with a smile as Spider gave him a hug and welcomed him to the family.
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Everyone was eager to congratulate Buffer and asked about an engagement party, a few of the crew (mainly females) asked how he proposed and both Nikki and Kate commented on how romantic it was him turning up at the garage and her being in her overalls. Spider was eager to hear what his parent's reaction to the news was as well as wanting to see his sister to congratulate her.
"So did you get down on one knee?" ET asked as they got their dinner, Buffer nodded.
"Now big thing is did he ask the parents?" Charge asked and again Buffer nodded.
"Asked them when they were here the other week." Buffer said and Bomber said that it was sweet but had he really thought it through properly.
"I mean being related to Spider, that's something you need to seriously consider." She smiled and Charge agreed with her.
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"Tell me Spider, what's your opinion on all of this?" Buffer asked Spider later that evening when they were on watch together.
"I'm glad that Ally finally has someone, and that you get on well with the twins is even better." Spider replied before taking a step closer to the older man. "And even though you are senior to me if you ever hurt her or the little ones I promise you won't know what's hit you." Spider added knowing that as a Sailor he was overstepping the mark but as a brother he was doing what he felt he should do. Buffer knew that. That's why he promised he wouldn't hurt her, and he respected Spider for having to courage to speak to him like he did; he'd expected him to say it.
"Everything ok here?" Kate asked the two men, she'd seen them having a quiet word and wondered if Spider was doing the protective brother routine.
"Yes Ma'am." Buffer replied.
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"I think Spider may have threatened Buffer." Kate said as she walked into the cabin she shared with Nikki.
"What?" Nikki asked shocked and Kate told her that she thought Spider had warned Buffer off of hurting his sister. Nikki laughed at the idea but suspected that it was the case; it's what brothers tended to do.
"Done the protective younger brother thing, which is sweet really." Kate mused with a smile and Nikki nodded imagining her brother doing something similar.
"You know we should organise a party for them." Nikki suggested and Kate was about to roll her eyes but Nikki commented that Alex had been a struggling single parent for years and it would be a nice thing to do and they could probably get the boys to do a lot of work. And also Buffer was a well liked member of the crew so the team would like to help celebrate his happy news.
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The location was set for Chefo's pub and everything was arranged, Spider had the job of getting the happy couple and kids there. Nav had provided the cover story, Spider was to say he wanted to treat them to a meal and the kids were in on it to persuade them to go. The only problem was that he'd have to suggest it to Buffer and get him to convince Alex as his sister knew when he was up to something. Spider managed to get things moving when Alex popped to the shop for something.
"I was thinking about going for a meal instead of having Ally cook what do you think?" Spider suggested trying to sound casual. Buffer nodded in response. "You know, sort of a treat for the pair of you, on me of course. My way of saying congratulations if that's ok?" Spider asked and Buffer replied that it would be a great idea and asked the kids who started shouting that they wanted to go out.
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"Everything in place?" Nikki asked Swain's wife Sally who was stood watching for the guests of honour.
"All sorted, you know I think it's fantastic that you've done this. Buffer is such a lovely man and Alex is an inspiration, she's given me so much advice about the baby and is so lovely that they both deserve this." Sally replied and Nikki nodded in agreement as Sally spotted Alex's car and the pair dashed inside.
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"Nothing too upmarket then Spider." Buffer commented seeing that they were pulling up outside Chefo's place.
"We could always go somewhere else but we don't need to make a reservation here." Spider replied getting out of the car.
"I think it's great Billy thank you." Alex replied giving her brother a kiss on the cheek before taking hold of Buffer's hand and leading the way inside. As they walked in they were greeted by a large blast of surprise from the crew of the Hammersley and other people that they knew. The expression on Alex's face was priceless as she gave Spider a hug and then went to hug the female members of the Hammersley crew.
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"I can't believe all this, thank you." Alex said to Nikki and Kate who both hugged her.
"You deserve it, so how are the preparations going?" Kate asked as Sally joined them and the women got talking about weddings.
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Spider was dancing holding his niece who was partially asleep when Bomber approached him.
"You did a nice thing," Bomber said shyly. "You know little brothers are notorious for stuffing up and making a mess but with Ally you're different." She said quietly.
"She did a lot for me; she doesn't know that I remember it." Spider replied. "Nobody deserves to be happy more than her, and Buffer's a good guy. I know he'll treat her right."
"I'm sure he will, they make a good couple." She smiled and they looked over to where the two were stood talking to Swain and Sally, Buffer had his arm round Ally's waist and she was leaning on him, they looked like they were a perfect fit. The sight made both young sailors smile.
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