Chapter 38

This time, AJ and Francesca were the ones laughing. The expression on Kara's face was comical. Still chuckling, Francesca went across the hall to get Andrea, while AJ put a finger under Kara's chin to close her mouth for her.

"It's okay, Darlin'," he reassured her, "I'll still love you when you're a granny."

Kara reached out and swatted his shoulder for that comment. He just chuckled. A few minutes later, Francesca came back with Andrea and the baby switch was made.

"I will go and start a pot of coffee while you feed her," Francesca offered.

"And I'll jump in the shower now so both bathrooms are free for you ladies," AJ told them, heading into the bathroom.

When AJ got out of the shower, he threw on sweats, saying that he would watch the twins and get breakfast made while Kara and Francesca showered. They finished quickly and joined him in the kitchen for a light meal. While AJ put on his dress uniform, Kara got the twins ready, and Francesca also went to get dressed, so she could help Kara with her hair and make up when she finished.

As Kara dressed AJ made sure all of the things they would need for the day were in the Escalade. Each would need a change of clothes for after the wedding and christening, and there were all of the supplies needed for a day out with two infants. He also packed the picnic basket and softball equipment.

By 0900, everything was ready to go, and they needed to get on the road. The forty-five minute drive would only give them a fifteen-minute leeway to the time the christening was supposed to start. AJ came back into the house to hurry Kara along and found her standing in the living room.

His breath caught in his throat, she was stunning! The dress Francesca made her was beautiful, although that was not what had caused him to stand there in awe. Her hair was up, this was the first time he had seen it that way, but that was still not 'it'. Kara was glowing! Her happiness shone there for all to see.

Kara, seeing that he was staring at her, asked, "Is there something wrong? Do I look okay?"

Francesca was standing near Kara, but realized that her father had not even noticed her. She knew the answer to Kara's questions just by the look on his face.

"No, Darlin', there is not a thing wrong. You're beautiful!" AJ stepped close to her and placed a loving kiss on her lips. "But even though I could stand here and stare at you all day, we do need to get moving." He turned to pick up the carriers that the twins were sitting in on the couch and headed for the door.

There was very little conversation in the Escalade on the way to the church. Each was lost in their own thoughts and the twins were sleeping.

Bud and Harriett were arriving just as AJ pulled into the parking lot. As they all got out of their vehicles they heard Harriett say, "See, Bud, I told you your dress uniform was the right thing to wear."

Everyone chuckled because he had obviously listened to her. He was wearing his dress uniform. As they freed the twins, Harriett commented on Kara's beautiful dress, and then she saw that the twins' outfits matched.

"Wow how neat that you found matching outfits for you and the babies, Ma'am!"

"Harriett, please, today no ranks!" Kara told her.

Harriett looked to her CO for approval.

AJ grinned and replied, "Don't make me make it an order, Harriett!" and again everyone laughed.

People were getting seated, so Bud and Harriett each took one of the twins and went to their front-row seats. Francesca and AJ joined George Wood who was already seated. Chaplain Turner was standing up front and was just about to get things started when Harm breezed in. He smiled at Kara and Becky in the back of the church as he hurried to find a seat.

Once Becky and Kara were alone again, Becky turned to her and said, "You look amazing, and I am so happy for you!" She hugged Kara and picked up a box on the table next to her. "Here is the bouquet I made for you."

"Thank you so much, Becky!" she opened the box and gasped, and gasped, and tried to keep breathing! Inside was a bouquet tied with a lovely lace ribbon that would hang to her knees when she held it. It was a bouquet of LOLLYPOPS!

Kara almost had apoplexy, she suddenly was able to draw in a breath and began to laugh. Becky was not sure she would be able to stop, and the entire church full of people could hear her.

Becky said, "Well, I had better take my place so we can get you married."

"AJ will kill me if I walk up the aisle with this!" she finally managed to gasp out. Becky just laughed and hurried away.

When she got to her seat, Becky nodded to Chaplain Turner to begin. "Ladies and gentleman, I know you have all come here to share in the christening of Andrea and Jeremy Wyatt, but there is something else Kara would like you to share with her first. Kara, if you will join me up here…" As he said this, all eyes turned to the back of the church where they could see Kara standing.

However, because everyone was looking at Kara, they missed seeing George, Becky, and AJ stand to take their places. When in position, they also turned to watch Kara come up the aisle.

AJ thought Kara looked a bit nervous when their eyes met. He tried to reassure her with his smile, but she continued to look unsure about something. Her gaze dropped to her hands for just a second, and he glance down to see what she was looking at. For just a moment he could not comprehend what he was seeing. He had just expected to see flowers of some kind. What he did see however finally registered with him.

His eyes snapped up to hers, and he suddenly knew what that look on her face was all about. She was carrying a bouquet of lollypops! His blush started at his ears and spread from there, until even the top of his head was red.

There was a gasp from where Harriett was sitting, and then a barely stifled giggle. Always a little late to notice things, there was finally a choking sound coming from Bud. No one else in the church seemed to understand the significance of the strange bouquet she was carrying. AJ spared one quick glance at Harriett when she gasped for the second time. He could see she had figured out what was about to happen.

Kara reached AJ's side as he once again looking into her eyes. He smiled at her, even though he was still blushing furiously. Kara's smile to him was filled with love and understanding of his blush. That was why she had no qualms at ratting out her friend. She mouthed 'Becky' to him, and the answering gleam, promised retribution for later.

Chaplain Turner's next words drew all eyes back to him, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…"

The End?