Chapter 29 (finale)

A week later, they announce their engagement to the Hammersley crew, who are all happy for their former captain. They all congratulate the pair and celebrate with drinks at the pub. But Mike leaves earlier as he an early start the next day at NavCom.

That day, Kate learns of her promotion to Lieutenant Commander and that she is now the new CO of the Hammersley. Mike is happy for her and tells her that he is very proud of her and that she is really the only other person whom he would trust with his baby, the Hammersley. Kate laughs at this and kisses him in thanks. Maxine too congrats them on their engagement and wishes them all the best for their future together.

Three weeks later, Kate and Mike have their marriage at the beach. Only the Hammersley crew, some friends and his parents are there. After the ceremony with the cake-cutting and the first dance, Mike and Kate leave and start their honeymoon, on Tahiti.

Another few weeks later Kate starts to get nausea every day, throwing everything up. She is gaining weight too. Going to a doctor to confirm her suspicion she finds out that she is pregnant and that she is about seven weeks along. Happy with this news she goes home and tells Mike as he arrives from work. He too is over the moon hearing this, taking Kate into a bear hug.

As she is about four months along, she takes a desk job, not wanting to risk the baby's health, nor her own.

Five months further and the day has finally come. After a short labour, Kate gives birth to a healthy baby boy. With his father's blue eyes and a few dark hairs, he is already a lot like his father.

The crew and Maxine arrive in time to say hello to Michael James Flynn junior. Kate decides then and there to leave the Navy and care for her little bundle of joy. Mike even takes some time off to help Kate in the first weeks and upcoming months, sharing the sleepless nights with her.

Captain Mike Flynn

Head of NavCom Cairns

They now have the life together that they always wanted. With a house, a child and all. They are a family. Mike and Kate are very happy, after a long time of ups and downs in their relationship, which started out when they met all those years ago at ADFA Watson Bay in Sydney.

The E N D

2