The sun was out, and the sky was clear – not a cloud to be seen as far as the eye could see; just endless pools of blue. Almost like Mike's eyes.
Kate smiled, looking away from her bedroom window to look at her own pale reflection. Looking in the mirror had always daunted her, as it always reminded her of the day of Elizabeth's funeral. But now, she could almost sense that Elizabeth was around, watching over her and smiling; laughing as she scrutinised the way she looked – wanting to look her best for Mike.
She started to smile; blushing as she suddenly became self conscious, thinking that Mike was in the room as she tried to get ready for the beginning of forever. A soft knocking came from her bedroom door, and Nikki and the new Mrs RO stepped inside, both dressed in navy blue, knee length chiffon dresses, each sporting a sapphire necklace, especially given to each as a gift from Kate.
Nikki and Bomber smiled, looking at Kate in her weddings dress. "Wow, you look beautiful Kate," said Nikki, going over to her and placing her hands on Kate's shoulders.
Kate smiled. "Thanks."
"Are you ready to get married?" asked Bomber, going over too as Kate started to stand up.
"Yeah, I am." She looked one last time out her bedroom window, knowing that it would be her last as Kate McGregor. "His eyes are the colour of a clear, clear sky; radiant and so blue. And mine are that of an emerald green; our love forever true."
"You're a navy wife yet," laughed Bomber. "Come on, Commander Marshall's waiting for you downstairs."
Kate sighed. "To think, this time tomorrow, I'm going to be Mrs Mike Flynn...I find myself excited. This is finally happening...Okay...let's go." She started to walk to her bedroom door when Nikki gave a shout.
"Don't forget your bouquet!" She rushed over to her, handing her the bouquet of white lilies.
"Thank you Nikki."
---
The sun was out, and the birds were singing. He could hear them – a soft and gentle melody, playing with the breeze. It reminded him of her voice, like an angel singing.
Mike smiled. He was nervous, and yet confident – a silent confidence coming upon him in waves. Today was the day, and he just couldn't wait to get to the church. As he stood there, observing himself in the mirror, he adjusted and readjusted his uniform, fiddling with the golden buttons and then smoothing down his hair.
"Sir?" Pete appeared in his doorway, he too dressed in his naval regalia. He wore a big smile, and carried something that Mike had forgotten. "You forgot your sword Sir," he replied, handing out the object.
"Thanks Pete," said Mike, taking the sword from him and strapping it around his waist. He shifted it into position and sighed. "You got the rings Pete?" Mike asked.
"Course I do Sir. I would never leave them behind on your special day," he replied.
Mike nodded. "Have you ever wondered why the birds sing?"
Pete frowned, shaking his head. "No I haven't. Why?" he asked, curiosity appearing on his face.
"I can hear the birds, just, singing; a simplicity that surpasses even the more simple things like the sun rising and setting every day."
"Mike, I don't know what you are talking about," stated Pete, clapping a hand on Mike's shoulder. "But, as it is your wedding day, I am going to try and understand."
"Don't worry about it Pete – I'm just happy, cheerful. I look at objects and things and they just shine. Everything I look at reminds me of Kate." He sighed, remembering a time when they had promised to each other to always remember their half of a poem that they had once wrote together, but had never completed. "Her eyes are green, the colour of the trees; and mine are blue, the colour of the seas. Together we match, go perfectly in hand; and together we are but parted by the sands."
"You're in love," replied Pete. "Look, I may not be the best person when it comes to marriage as I myself am not married, but from what I've seen in the many weddings I've gone to in the past two years, what you see and think changes when you marry the person you love."
Mike smiled. "Yeah, I guess." He sighed, clapping his hands to his sides. "Let's go. I want to get married."
Pete laughed. "Of course you do Sir."
---
The sun was out, and he could hear the waves crashing upon the sand. He could imagine the water making its way up the sand and then being pulled back as if by some invisible force. He could imagine the many people enjoying their time in the water, all of whom anonymous to the happy spectacle about to happen.
Marshall looked up at the top of the stairs. Nikki and Rebecca had been in Kate's room a long time; perhaps he should go knock? He was just about to put his thought into action when Kate appeared, her wedding gown falling at her feet and her hair up in an elegant do, her veil pushed back, allowing her to see properly.
He breathed a sigh of astonishment. He smiled. She looked so beautiful. "Elizabeth would be so proud of you Kate."
He watched as she smiled shyly, her eyes fluttering slightly. Walking down the stairs carefully, she made it to the bottom where a kiss was awaiting her. Marshall kissed her cheek, and took her hand in his as he led her out her front door for the last time as a single woman. Nikki and Rebecca followed behind them, locking the door as they watched Marshall, help Kate into the awaiting car. When they came to the car, Marshall handed them in too before getting in himself, the chauffer shutting the door behind them all.
The drive to the church was a quiet one. Marshall watched as the girls kept a steady breath. Both Nikki and Rebecca were quietly observing Kate as she appeared to mentally tick of everything on the wedding list that both she and Mike had created.
Marshall frowned as a sudden death look appeared on Kate's face. "Is everything alright Kate?" he asked, leaning forward to touch her knee through all her skirts.
Kate shook her head, her face relaxing. "No, it's just – I thought that I – Nikki when were you planning on telling me that you were pregnant?" Kate asked, looking across at her maid of honour.
"Oh Kate, how did you find out?" answered Nikki, a shocked look on her face.
"Josh told Mike and well, you know Mike, he let it slip," replied Kate. "I was going to get you something but I forgot. With preparing my wedding and honeymoon, it just slipped from my mind."
"Kate, you didn't need to get me anything yet. I was going to tell you, but when you got back from your honeymoon so that you could relax about buying something. I'm sorry you had to find out about it the way you did."
"I didn't know," stated Rebecca, raising a hand.
"Nor did I," replied Marshall, the initial shock that one of the Hammersley's officers was pregnant, lifting. "I suppose that you will be applying for maternity leave and a shore posting."
Nikki smiled. "That would be much appreciated Steve," she said. "But I'm not due for six months, so I'll talk to you about it then."
Marshall nodded. "Okay." He looked across at Rebecca. "Are you pregnant too?"
Rebecca's eyes widened. "Well...um...well...yes...I'm pregnant," she stammered.
Kate's mouth fell open slightly. "Uh, h-h-ho-how long–"
Rebecca smiled. "Six months," she answered. "Same as Nikki."
Marshall sighed. "I'll start organising for a new chef and navigator," he replied. "And Kate, are you pregnant too?"
Kate shook her head. "No, I assure you, I am not pregnant. If I was, my dress would be much larger."
Marshall breathed a sigh of relief. Kate frowned. "You don't want a grandchild Dad?" she asked.
Marshall didn't get a chance to respond, as the car had stopped and the chauffer had opened the door. "We've arrived."
Marshall cleared his throat. "It's time," he said, getting out. First he handed out Nikki and Rebecca, before handing out Kate, excitement in her eyes. "Everyone's already inside. Come Kate, Mike's waiting."
Nikki and Rebecca almost squealed in excitement as they entered the church, almost dropping their small bouquets of blue lilies. Kate's heart was beating so fiercely she could almost hear it. Her breathing became quick and she suddenly felt like it was her first day on the Hammersley, with Mike's blue eyes following her every move.
"Don't worry Kate, just remember, at the end of the road Mike's waiting," whispered Marshall, putting Kate's arm through his as Jim Brickman's simple melody, All I Ever Wanted, started to play.
---
The music had started – a sweet and peaceful melody like what the birds had been singing only an hour ago. Mike looked around, seeing Rebecca come through the double doors, holding her small bouquet of blue lilies. Behind her, he could make out Nikki, she too holding a bouquet of blue lilies.
They were walking slowly, not rushing but not dragging either, just a slow and calm pace. They came to the end of the aisle, both smiling at him as they passed.
And that was when he saw her, Kate, a beautiful vision wearing nothing but white. His face lit up as if it had been hit by the morning sun and he smiled as he watched her make her way slowly up the aisle, her arm linked with Commander Marshall's.
He could imagine what her eyes were doing, darting back and forth, looking at every detail; the blue and white lilies lining the aisle, the pianist playing on a black Yamaha concert grand and her best friends – the crew, all dressed in their whites, all sitting in the front row, watching as she made her way down the aisle.
His breath hitched as Kate now stood in front of him. He smiled as Marshall kissed her cheek through the veil and then told him that he had better be darn good to his daughter. Mike said that he would before Marshall handed over Kate's hand.
As Kate's hand slid perfectly into his, he felt the warmth and softness comfort him. His smile broadened, and he could tell that Kate was blushing. Squeezing her hand in reassurance, they turned to face the minister as the final bar of music played through the church.
---
"Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man, Mike Flynn, and this woman, Kate McGregor, in Holy Matrimony. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity.
"You ask what is this love we here affirm, and I answer, it is a covenant you make, one with the other, a covenant born of commitment to each other's wellbeing and growth and commitment to your relationship itself, allowing it the possibility of change and of growth."
The minister turned to Mike. "Mike Flynn, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
Mike looked down at Kate, seeing her eyes flutter through the thin material of her veil. His heart pulled and replied, "I will."
The Minister turned to Kate. "Kate McGregor, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Kate looked up at Mike, seeing forever in his eyes. She knew that it was a promise and she knew that he would never break it. In finality she replied, "I will."
The Minister turned to look at the congregation, his arms open to them and he asked, "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"
The congregation's reply was like a chorus, echoing through the church. "We will."
"The rings please," the minister asked, holding out his hand. Buffer stepped forward, producing the rings from his pocket and placing them in the minister's hand. The minister thanked him and Buffer stepped back to his position.
The minister continued, "You have determined that you would seal your vows today by the exchanging of rings. The rings you give and receive this day are symbols of endless love. The rings are made of gold, a symbol of purity. May your thoughts towards one another be pure. The ring is an unbroken circle, having no end, so it is emblematic of the enduring and unending love you have for each other."
Mike took the ring from the minister and placed it on Kate's finger. "I give this ring in remembrance of this hour, a symbol of love that is beautiful, endless and complete."
Kate did the same, taking the ring from the minister and placing it on Mike's finger. "I give this ring in remembrance of this hour, a symbol of love that is beautiful, endless and complete."
"Mike and Kate, you have now affirmed before your families and friends your love and your caring for each other. You have come from different backgrounds. You have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love has transcended these differences. In the years before you, may the richness of the traditions that have nurtured you enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.
"May the challenges of your life together be met with courage and optimism. May you learn from your failures and grow in your achievements. May life bless you with children, friends, and family in a wide network of mutual support and enjoyment. May you face pain, toil, and trouble with a stout but light heart. May you share with others the radiance of your seasons of joy and pleasure. May you always remember that laughter is the medicine of God."
The Minister took Kate's right hand and placed it in Mike's. He smiled at them briefly before saying, "Now that Mike and Kate have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. But before I say the most awaited words, Mike has a poem he wishes to recite for his new wife."
Mike cleared his throat, lifting Kate's veil to reveal her blushing and yet smiling face. And then he spoke more to her then to the congregation. "This is a short poem dedicated to my new wife:
"And now here we are both blue and green, at the aisle of eternity. We've said our vows and forever more, you'll be mine and I'll be yours."
Kate's eyes widened slightly in realisation, and all she could say was, "You finished the poem."
And then the moment they had all been waiting for, came. The minister clapped his hands together and said, "You may kiss the bride."
Mike cupped Kate's cheek gently, before leaning down and kissing her softly – their first kiss as a married couple. Pulling back, he whispered in her ear, "I promised you once that we'd be together forever, both in that poem and in reality."
---
She heard the congregation cheer and she knew that it had happened. They were married – husband and wife. She looked up at Mike, smiling. He returned her smile, taking her hand in his and kissing it. He then began to lead her back down the aisle to the tune of Maybe by Yiruma.
There were many cheers and a lot of clapping as they made their way back down the aisle. Mike couldn't help the joy he felt inside and he knew that Kate couldn't either. He watched as white rose petals were thrown at them, laughing as one landed on Kate's nose. Brushing it off, he kissed the tip of her nose gently. He pulled back, winking at her.
Kate looked at him questioningly. "If you're wondering if something is going to happen then you are wondering right. We are married after all."
Mike smirked. "That's right Mrs Flynn, we are married."
---
The drive to the reception was quiet one, the only thing heard being the wind as they drove closer and closer to the sea in the open roofed vehicle. All Mike could do was keep looking and smiling at his new wife, Kate doing exactly the same – the exception being, the occasional blush as Mike leant in to kiss her.
Finally, the silence was broken when something came to mind and Mike's brow furrowed in confusion. "I thought that Darryl had died or something, but I saw him at NavCom just before I went to your house to propose. Do you know what happened to him? Why he disappeared?"
Kate smiled knowingly. "That is for me to know and you to find out."
"But you do know what had happened to him?" he asked.
"Think what you may, but I'm not saying a word. That is Darryl's business. He will tell you in his own good time."
"Kate, we're married now, I'm sure you can tell me. Please?"
Kate laughed, shaking her head. "We may be married, but that doesn't mean that you can be privy to the secrets of others."
"Okay, okay... The restaurant by the sea was always going to be our choice for the reception wasn't it?" He looked at his new wife and saw her smile.
"Always," she replied.
The car came to a stop and Mike looked to his right to see the restaurant in question, abuzz with excitement as the congregation from the church took their seats or danced a little to the playing of the pianist from the church and the accompanying band.
The chauffer got out of the car and opened the door. Mike got out first, before turning around and offering his hand. Kate gladly took it, carefully stepping out of the vehicle so that her dress wouldn't get caught. She smiled at him as he put his arm around her waist, leading her towards the awaiting crowd.
As they approached, the crowd cheered and clapped. Mike laughed, shaking hands with many of his fellow navy men. Kate blushed, smiling at everyone she saw. She could see Darryl with a woman over by the main table, waiting for them to go over. Pulling Mike away from Chefo, who had managed to get shore leave for the wedding, she dragged him over.
"Hello Darryl, Alicia." Kate nodded her head to each.
Mike's mouth dropped open. "Alicia?" he asked, as the woman turned around.
"Oh, hi Mike," she replied.
Mike turned to look at Darryl. "What's going on?" And then he noticed the gold band on Alicia and Darryl's left ring fingers.
"You're married?!" he hissed. "And you didn't tell me?"
"Alicia and I eloped, Mike," Darryl said bluntly. "We couldn't have told you anyway, you were at sea by the time we left."
"Still, you could've said something...Where did you go? And when did you come back?"
"We only got back from Sydney about eight months ago. There's one more thing Mike..." He looked at the newly married man cautiously. "Alicia's pregnant."
Mike's eyes widened. He looked down at Alicia's stomach, taking a few seconds to notice that there was a definite bulge. Looking up he asked, "How long?"
Kate answered for them. "Eight months."
Mike gave her a sideway glance. "You knew?"
"I told you that Darryl would tell you in his own time. So now you know Mike. Come on, I want to eat, and I'm sure that you'd like to eat too Alicia."
"Yeah, thanks." She gave Kate a smile, before following her husband to a separate table.
Mike pulled out one of the white chairs, allowing Kate to sit before him. When he sat down too, he lowered his voice so that Nikki and Rebecca and Josh, Robert and Pete who were either side of them, wouldn't hear. "We're going to talk about that later. I just can't believe that you didn't tell me that they were married!"
Kate laughed. "I can't believe that you're making such a big deal out of this. Lighten up Mike, today's about us; we, after all, deserve this. Like you said when you proposed: we've been apart for seven years and now we've defied time and navy rules to become man and wife, not just captain and executive officer."
Mike sighed, leaning closer and kissing her gently. Pulling back, he smiled. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. You're right; I should lighten up about it. So now... Huh, food?" He looked down to see the steaming hot soup for entree waiting to be eaten. Smiling, he let go of Kate's hand and instead started downing his soup.
Kate laughed, she too picking up her spoon and embracing the warmth the hot soup provided her. I am now, officially, a navy wife.
---
The sun was starting to set, hitting the sea with its pink and orange haze. Everyone was either sitting around at their respective tables or going around and talking with others. The sun had almost finished setting when finally the pianist walked up to the microphone and made an announcement.
"And now, may I please invite the new Mr and Mrs Flynn to take to the floor in their first dance?" the pianist called, smiling at the newly married couple.
Mike turned to Kate, standing up and offering her his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asked, bowing.
Kate laughed, accepting his hand. Mike led her to middle of the dance floor, situated in front of the stage and surrounded by the calm sea.
The pianist returned back to his stool, sitting down gracefully and placing his hands gently on the keys as Mike and Kate got into position. The pianist began to play the opening bars of the song he and the rest of the band had agreed would suit the couple: Destiny by Jim Brickman. Breathing in, he began to sing:
What if I never knew
What if I never found you
I'd never have this feeling in my heart
How did this come to be
I don't know how you found me
But from the moment I saw you
Deep inside my heart I knew
Mike began to lead Kate in time to the music. Looking down, he gazed into her eyes, allowing the music to take over them both as they became lost in each other's souls.
Chorus:
Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be my destiny
"I love you Kate." Mike smiled, leaning down and kissing her, as he spun her around.
"I love you Mike," she replied, a light blush crossing her cheeks.
I wanted someone like you
Someone that I could hold on to
And give my love until the end of time
But forever was just a word
Something I'd only heard about
But now you're always there for me
When you say forever I believe
The sun had set now, and the only light came from the burning candles surrounding the reception area. The sea breeze was very gentle, allowing only enough wind to let each of the flames flicker every now and again.
Chorus:
Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be my destiny
"You know that poem?" Mike whispered in her ear. "The one that we wrote together but never finished? The one I completed and recited this afternoon?"
Kate nodded, smiling. "Yes, of course. How could I forget?"
"Everything I said at the end of it...that is a promise."
"I know."
Maybe all we need is just a little faith
'Cause baby I believe that love will find the way
Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as I far as I can see
From now until eternity
You were always meant to be my destiny
---
"A toast!" Pete cried, clinking his raised wine glass gently with his fork, gaining everyone's attention. "To Mike and Kate – Captain and Executive Officer; may you both live a happy and rich life, full of everything life can throw at you. May you be blessed with many kids, all of which I will be godfather of, and may your marriage clear up the air that is currently tense on the Hammersley. To Mike and Kate!"
"To Mike and Kate!"
---
His eyes are the colour of a clear, clear sky; radiant and so blue. And mine are that of an emerald green; my love forever true.
Her eyes are green, the colour of the trees. And mine are blue, the colour of the seas. Together we match, go perfectly in hand; and together we are but parted by the sands.
And now here we are both blue and green, at the aisle of eternity. We've said our vows and forever more, you are mine and I am yours.
That is a promise.