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Chapter Twenty-Six: Bachelor/ette Party, Part 3

Guests began to arrive. Jess peaked out of her room and as more of her mates arrived, she did venture out. So did Becker.

Becker greeted his soldiers Carlson, Thompson, and Lt. Flowers as well as others. Jess hugged Kim and Beverly and several old mates from her youth. They both hugged Chef Bernie.

"Ah, this looks nice," said their boss, his eyes on the first half of the room. "I was expecting vulgarity," he said, then his eyes met the blowups in the corner. "Good Lord."

His wife giggled, hugging Jess and the Captain. "Thank you so much for inviting me, my dear."

Jess nodded. "We had a good time at Abby's," she said. She then giggled. "Though I don't remember it all."

Mrs. L. giggled. "Yes. Those drinking games were potent."

"Which is why they were banned for tonight," said Becker. He heard Iris boo from a few chairs away.

"So...a women's party and a men's party put together," said Lester. "Won't this be a disaster?"

"James!" cried his wife, poking his ribs with her elbow.

Jess giggled. "Here, let me lead you to your favorite part," she said walking him to the liquor. "Pace yourself. You want to be awake for the show."

Lester nodded. "Connor told me you hired his...entertainers. I was quite impressed during his stag party. They're the only reason I'm here." He poured a drink. "Maybe not the only reason."

Jess laughed and went back to her guests. A woman in a smart leisure suit of jade and wine colors walked down with a man wearing a simple red polo shirt and khakis.

"Eleanor!"

The minister's wife hugged her. "I'm so happy for you my dear! And so touched that you remembered and invited me!"

Jess giggled. "You're hard to forget." She then turned to the man with her. "Thank you for coming, Sir."

"Hush. Tonight I'm just Reggie."

She smiled. "We owe you and your wife for so much. If that silly anti-fraternization policy had continued...well, we wouldn't be here," she said, glancing at Becker.

Eleanor hugged and kissed her. "That would be a grave injustice. You two were made for each other."

Jess blushed. "I think so."

"I so hate useless policy," said the minister. "Happy people make for happy jobs and a happy nation. I happen to think marriage makes people happy."

His wife smiled. "You are so well trained." They laughed and she kissed him.

Lester bustled over, shaking the minister's hand and stealing him away.

"I do like the idea of a co-ed party," Eleanor said. Jess nodded. "But, um...you're having male strippers? Have you...warmed up...to them?"

Jess smiled. She would always remember how kind and protective Eleanor had been during the stripper routine at Abby's. "I'm fine. I have a solution."

"Oh?"

Mrs. L. came over, hugging Eleanor.

"Yes, I've appointed a stand-in bride," said Jess. She giggled at their faces as they stared blankly. "It's perfect. She'll be out here, hooting and pawing at the men while I'll be hiding in a room that has loads of food and hopefully a frisky groom."

They laughed.

"Jess always was a sharp one," said her boss's wife.

"I'll come out for Ce Ce's routine," she said. She saw Vale and frowned. "I think. I'm a bit worried about a particular dance, but my curiosity is killing me."

"It does that," said Eleanor. "Well, should be fun. See you later." she walked off with Mrs. Lester.

"Jess!"

She turned to see her sister Melissa. "I can't wait!" she cried. "Finally I get to see strippers!"

Jess shook her head. "I can't believe Mum OKed it." Her eyes grew wide. "You did tell her, didn't you?"

Her sister smirked.

"Missy!"

"Relax, I'm kidding. Besides even if I hadn't, those two matrons of honors took care of it. They both phoned and even emailed Mum to make sure she knew. Jeez, it's likes having four mothers."

Jess giggled. "They are very efficient."

"Hey, there pretty lady," said a smooth voice. A tall, black-haired man walked up, smiling at Melissa.

"Hi, Ashley," said Jess. "Please don't flirt with my sister."

"Ew!"

Jess grabbed his collar. "I'm sorry. What?"

Missy giggled at the sight of Jess physically intimidating her brother-in-law-to-be.

"Did you just insult my little sister?"

Ashley rolled his eyes. "Of course not! She's lovely. I'd be all over her if..."

"If what? And you better be very careful with your words," threatened Jess.

Lionel stood behind them and laughed. "If," he said, "she didn't look so much like the woman our brother idolizes with all his heart."

"Yeah, I'm not suicidal" said his younger brother. "Besides, you're going to be our sister. Chatting up Melissa would be like hitting on a relative. Gross."

Jess blushed, chuckled and let Ashley go. "Oh."

Missy chuckled. "That was...flattering?"

Lionel laughed. "Let's get a drink and let them...continue."

Missy giggled.

"Watch the alcohol consumption!"

"Thank you, Mum, I will," said Missy, sticking out her tongue as she walked away with Lionel.

Jess looked at Ashley. "Sorry."

"For manhandling me?"

"Yeah."

He laughed and kissed her cheek. "You were protecting your sister, don't be sorry."

She smiled.

"Did I just see you kiss my woman?"

Ashley rolled his eyes again. "Who knew pre-wedding parties were so dangerous? Yes, I kissed her, Hil, but it was on the cheek and as a thank you for not killing me!"

"Why, what did you do?"

"It was me," said Jess. "It's a long story and I misinterpreted something, but it's fine now."

Becker looked at them both and raised his eyebrow.

Ashley sighed. "You can't ever expect Hil to let something go. I expressed a lack of interest in her sister and she called me out on it."

"Apparently Missy looks too much like me and it would be 'gross." Jess made a face.

Becker laughed. "Yeah, I can see why you misinterpreted it."

Ashley looked around at the guests, specifically the women. "You rat!" he cursed at his brother.

"Excuse me?" asked Becker.

"Look at these beautiful women! You work with them and never set me up!"

Becker smirked. "It's my job to protect my co-workers, Ash, besides I don't work with them all."

Just them a tall dark-haired woman in a handsome jean dress walked by. "Hi, Captain."

"Hey, Beverly," he said with a smile.

Ashley watched and shook his head.

A shorter woman with long hair, wearing a knee high skirt and blue sweater approached his brother.

"Congrats, again," she said.

Becker smiled. "Thank you, Kim."

Ashley leveled a glare at him. Becker laughed. A young blond woman in a bright pink dress passed by next.

"Nice party."

"Isn't it, Sara?" asked the Captain. "I'm glad you came." She nodded.

He looked over and Ashley was glaring at him. "I hate you."

The Captain just chuckled. "I do work with some of them though."

Then a tall gorgeous statuesque blond walked by and gave him a mock salute. He laughed and returned it. She smiled and walked away.

Ashley glared at him with hate. "You can die, for all I care," he muttered, making Becker laugh out loud.

End of Chapter Twenty-Six