Be My Baby: Leslie Mendleson
….
The night we met I knew
I needed you so
And if I had the chance,
I'd never let you go.
So won't you please
Be my Baby,
Be my little Baby,
Say be my darling,
Be my Baby now
…
On the first day, I saw you
I had been waiting for you
You know I will adore you
Till eternity
When I'm dreaming in the middle of the night
Someone tell me everything's alright
You're my lover, my best friend
I want to be with you until the end.
So won't you please be my Baby…..
Josh looks at his watch for about the 10th time. It's been about a month since his discharge from the Navy. Nikki is due in port at 1400 (funny that I can't stop thinking in military time) chuckling to himself. Another check of his watch and it was finally time to head to the wharf.
Getting there 15 minutes early, he watched as Hammersley slid effortlessly into her berth. He did sometimes miss being part of the crew on this ship watching as the cable party closed up.
The crew starts to exit the ship and his mates see him waiting on the wharf near the gangway.
"Hey! Mate! How's retired life?" Buffer jokes.
"Yeah Josh, what do you do with all that spare time?" Swain joins in.
"I bet he keeps a really tidy house," Spider adds.
Laughing with them, Josh replies, " What do I do with all of my spare time? Not getting up at 05:30 to 'Wakey, Wakey, Wakey!', they all laugh, " and yes, Spider, I do keep a tidy house," giving him a friendly shove.
"So, Josh, coming to the pub later?" Charge asks.
"Yeah, we'll be there unless Nikki has other plans."
"Nah, she'll want to come. We're going to the Sports Club tonight. Some of the wives and kids are coming. Mike is sponsoring a BBQ." Charge continued.
"Swain, you and Sally?" Buffer asks.
"We'll be there."
"Hey, Josh, see you later mate!" as the group made their way off the wharf.
Ten minutes later Nikki appears at the gangway wearing her whites. She sees Josh and hesitates for just a second or two as her heart does a flutter and she can't help the huge smile that instantly appears when she sees him. Josh watches as she starts down the gangway in what feels like slow motion, (God, she is beautiful!). After saluting the ensign, Nikki practically runs into Josh's arms and a slow, meaningful kiss.
" I so miss not seeing you on the ship. I spend time in our favourite haunts every day."
Josh kissed her again, " I've missed you too, but I love that we can stand here in front of the ship and the world and be together. How long is shore leave?"
" A week as long as we don't get crash sailed."
Josh grabbed her seabag and they walked with their arms around each other and headed for Josh's car.
As soon as she walked through the door Nikki could smell the frangipani bouquets that Josh had gotten for her. He had one in the kitchen/dining area, the lounge, and the bedroom.
" Oh, Josh! They are beautiful! You spoil me like this too often and might come to expect it all of the time," she said wrapping her arms around him and then kissing him deeply.
"You'll be wanting to see the one in the bedroom then," he said with a sly smile.
Scooping her off her feet he carried her into the bedroom where he slowly removed her uniform as he kissed her cheek, behind her ear and down her neck to that delicious soft spot. "Nikki, I can't say it enough... I love you."
"I love you, Josh."
After celebrating Nikki's homecoming, they took a nap wrapped up in each other's arms.
When Josh woke, it was a little after 5:00. Nikki was still sleeping so he slipped out of bed and threw on a pair of shorts, padded to the kitchen to grab a beer, and then settle on the balcony with his book and the light sea breeze.
It was almost 6:00 when Nikki woke and found him reading. " Hi"
"Hey, Nikki, did you sleep well?"
"I did, I sleep so much better when I'm near you," leaning over and kissing his curls and then going back inside to get a beer for herself and the book that she had started on Hammersley and returned to the balcony to sit with Josh.
Josh checked his watch, " Hey, Nik, it's almost 7:00, reckon we should get ready?"
Josh put on a clean shirt and shorts and Nikki wore a brightly coloured sundress.
The sports club was busy with the ships that had come in. Mike had arranged a BBQ buffet for the crew reserving a corner of the outside dining area.
Walking into the club hand in hand, Josh spotted Swain and Sally. "Josh! It's so great to see you!" Sally greets them.
"Thanks, Sally, I love seeing everyone too. I do miss the crew."
"ET!" Buffer bellows, "My Shout! What will it be?"
"A beer would be great, Buff."
"Same for me," Nikkie adds.
After greeting everyone they went to the buffet and then found a place along the table that had been reserved.
"ET!" Mike greets him. "What have you been doing with yourself?"
" I hooked up with a leisure dive boat out of Palm Cove. We do reef dives and such with tourists and weekend divers. I also give dive instruction before we go out."
" That sounds like it's perfect for you," Kake remarks.
"Yeah, It's working out really well. I love diving and I love interacting with our guests, especially foreign tourists. It's fun talking to them about where they're from and what they think of Australia. Everyone is always happy as they are on holiday."
Swain having just come in on the conversation asks, " Are you working out of Cairns?"
"No, Palm Cove."
A young blond man walks over to the group. " Sorry, I'm late guys."
" You're not late, mate. We're not keeping time cards here," Charge says.
"ET," Nikki says, " let me introduce you to your replacement, " This is Leading Seaman Leo Kosov-Meyer… 2 Dads."
" A pleasure," Josh says extending his hand.
" Right back at cha. I've heard a lot about you. You're a tough act to follow."
Josh chuckles, " Thanks, I guess."
" 2 Dads has a knack for finding trouble, mostly of his own making," Nikki adds making Buffer laugh.
Laughing, Kate adds, " Like bringing a monkey on board Hammersley.
" A monkey! Really?" Josh exclaims.
"Yeah," 2 Dads adds, " He was a cute little thing."
Mike then stood clinking his glass with a spoon to garner everyone's attention.
" Although this gathering is to celebrate a job well done, I also had other motives to get you all together. This was my last patrol on Hammersley. It has been an immense privilege to have had you all as crew, and that includes you, ET. A young colleague reminded me that some things are more important than the Navy. I love the Navy but I love someone else more. So, I have finally accepted the promotion to Commander that Fleet Command has been shoving at me for a while now. I'll be working out of NAVCOM here."
They all clapped with some whistles added in. " Okay, Okay," Mike raises his hands for quiet again. " For the next part of my announcement, Your new CO and Captain has been named… LT Commander Kate MacGregor." Once again the table broke out in clapping. " Now just one more thing…" reaching for Kate to join him, " LT Commander MacGregor will soon be LT Commander Flynn. We're engaged." Now the crew was momentarily stunned speechless which shortly gave way to a rowdy round of congratulations. Nikki and Josh looked at each other and smiled. Then Charge shouted…"You all know that this calls for! Guava Mojo!" and went to the bar to order the drinks.
After dinner there was some dancing; Josh, Nikki, Mike and Kate were enjoying being out with friends without worry.
Arriving home well after midnight, shucking clothes as they kissed and made their way to the bedroom.
When Nikki woke the sun was shining through their bedroom window making the room glow. She leaned over and kissed Josh awake.
"Hey," he said while stretching.
"I was thinking maybe we could go to the Cascades today. A picnic."
"Sounds good, breakfast on the road at our cafe՛ ?"
"Yeah, perfect."
Showered and dressed they packed up their lunch and swim clothes in Josh's backpack and headed out on the road by 9:00. Josh put the top down while Nikki loaded the music.
After a breakfast of pastries and coffee, they were on their way to the cascades. Josh looked over at Nikki to find her relaxed and asleep. Chuckling to himself, she wakes me up and now she gets a nap.
As he pulled into the carpark Nikki woke and stretched. Josh got the backpack and picnic rug from the boot and they started up the trail that had become very familiar to them. They made it to their special spot, they call it table rock and thankfully no one was there.
Josh spread the rug, laid his backpack down and used it as a pillow while Nikki snuggled up next to him using his chest as her pillow. Giving the top of her head a kiss, Josh holds her close. They just lay like that, listening to the falling water and the bird sounds, when Nikki says, " Josh, do you think we can start planning our wedding?"
"I thought you'd never ask," he answered her grinning. " Have you been thinking about what you'd like it to be like?"
" It's occupied my thoughts whenever I've had free time during the last patrol."
"What are your thoughts?"
" Small, intimate. I really don't want the whole church thing. Just you and me and the minister."
" That sounds just perfect."
" Do you want to have a reception party?" Josh asked her.
"Yes, immediate family and the Hammersley crew, they're family too."
" Nikki, this might seem a bit strange, but I would like us to be married right here, our special spot, our first kiss. Logistically it may prove a challenge…"
" I would love that Josh if we can pull it off. Okay, what about our guests?"
" When I have been daydreaming about our wedding a few ideas have crossed my mind," Josh says, " First, this most important day belongs to us, no one else. I imagined us being married here with the sounds of the cascades for music, just the 2 of us and the 2 people we have to stand up for us. Or, plan b, we could be married on the beach in Palm Cove where we first told each other 'I love you' for the first time."
" Well, if we were to get married on the beach, all of our guests could be there." Nikki pointed out.
Lifting up so that she could look at him she kissed him, " What matters to me is the being married part and the together forever part."
"You know it."
"Let's start by finding a minister and see if they will be willing to travel up here, and then go from there," Nikki suggests.
" Sounds good. We need to look up someone local. I doubt the Navy Chaplain will come out here."
" Have you thought about who you would like to stand with you?" Nikki asks him.
"Not really, you?"
"Well, the only woman that I am close to is Kate. We shared a cabin for a year. We talked a lot and she was there for me when I needed someone."
"If it weren't for Mike and Kate's understanding and turning a blind eye, we might not even be here now," Josh points out.
"So… we ask Mike and Kate."
"Yup. While I've been in Palm Cove for work, I have checked out ' our hotel' as a place to have the party. They'll set us up in the outdoor covered dining area. There's room for a DJ and dancing."
"Josh that sounds perfect. We could get rooms for our parents there as well. We can stay there."
Pulling her in for a kiss, " This is pretty fun." Josh says grinning. " Are you wanting to go for the whole wedding gown and Tux thing?"
Nikki laughed, " Gee Josh, ahhh, no. I saw this shirt in Palm Cove that would look fabulous on you, royal blue with white and pale yellow frangipani."
" Let's go look at it when we get back. What about you?"
"There's this dress that I have had my eye on for a while now. I'll go and try it on when we get back to Cairns."
"Is it a gown? Might be a touch difficult getting up here."
"No…, not a gown and that is all I'm going to say."
" When we get back to town, let's talk to the hotel," Josh suggests. " They also might be able to point us to someone to marry us," kissing her temple.
" Josh, let's stay in Palm Cove tonight." Josh's large grin was his response.
They got out their picnic and talked some more. Then small kisses led to larger ones and a passionate make-out session.
"Josh…"
"Humm?"
"If we want to go shopping, we best be going."
Nuzzling her neck, " Your right, but…" he nuzzled and kissed her some more.
Reluctantly they packed up and headed to the car and Palm Cove. Once at the hotel they got themselves settled in a room and went looking for the hotel manager who was more than thrilled to help them.
"Mr Holiday, Ms Caetano," extending her hand, " I'm Duncan Page, manager of the hotel. I was told that you are looking for a venue for your wedding?"
"Yes, we've stayed here before and it seems like the perfect place," Josh tells her.
" Wonderful, let me see if our planner is available," Duncan stepped away to make a phone call and then returned. "You're in luck, she is free and she will be right out."
A short while later a tall redheaded woman walked over to them, " Hello, I'm Janet Sullivan, the hotel's party planner/manager," holding out her hand, " Mr Holiday and Ms Caetano?"
"Yes, pleased" Josh responded. " Nice to meet you," Nikki added.
Janet showed them the area that was used for this type of event. The outdoor dining area was covered to protect from the sun and or chance rain. The area opened up to the hotel's gardens and was beautiful.
" We will also provide the cake and DJ. I'll get you a copy of our event menu. Will you be wanting a bar?"
Josh looks to Nikki, fairly sure of the answer but they hadn't talked about it. "Yes?" Nikki nodded. " How about open for the first hour."
"That sounds good," Nikki says.
"Okay" responds Janet. " How about guest rooms?"
Nikki answers her, " Probably around 10 and two nights in a suite for us."
" Once you have a date, we can reserve them for you. There's no charge if you have to cancel but there is a 50% deposit needed at the time of the booking."
"That's no problem," Josh tells her.
" Well, we don't have a date yet, I'm in the Navy and I will need to check with the Commander as to when I can have some time off," Nikki adds.
"When you decide, let me know and we will get started on everything."
"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Janet. We'll be in touch soon, hopefully." Nikki and Josh shake her hand.
" So," Josh says, " I guess it's time to go shopping," draping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her in for a kiss on her temple.
Nikki brought Josh to the shop where she had seen the shirt that she liked. Showing the shirt to Josh, he went to the dressing room and tried it on. " This is great! Love It! My new favourite shirt!" he exclaimed.
" That colour blue… it sets off your eyes and of course, I love frangipani print, gives it a dressy appearance," Nikki remarked. "I think it's perfect, Josh."
Before heading back to the hotel they stopped at the drugstore for some toiletries. Walking into the lobby they were greeted by the manager. "Janet told me that you were looking for a non-denominational minister to officiate your wedding and that would be willing to marry you on your terms. Rev. Melanie Mahoney is known to be very flexible with the ceremony as long as it meets the law. Here is her number if you are interested," passing the paper with the number to Josh.
"Thanks! You've been so helpful!" Nikki says.
Nikki and Josh went out to the hotel garden and sat on one of the benches. Josh got out his phone and dialled Rev. Mahoney's number.
Answering on the third ring, " Melanie Mahoney."
" Uh… Rev. Mahoney?" Josh inquired.
"The one and only," she responds with a chuckle.
" We were given your name by the manager at the Saragi Hotel as someone who might be able to officiate our wedding."
"Well, I would have to meet you both first."
"We're here in Palm Cove, staying at the Sarayi. We will be here through tomorrow. Would that work for you? I understand that it's short notice."
"Well, why don't we meet over coffee, say in one hour? The Little Bean Cafe՛ on Beach Street."
"That sounds perfect, thank you. We're looking forward to meeting you."
"Great! I'll see you then."
" I take it that we are meeting with the minister?" Nikki asks him.
" Yup, over coffee, The Little Bean Cafe՛ in an hour."
Leaning over and embracing him, " Josh, I can't believe how quickly everything is coming together."
"Well we wanted simple, simple we have," kissing her.
They get directions to the Cafe՛ from the hotel desk clerk and find that it's within walking distance. Hand in Hand they walk into the Little Bean noticing a single woman with short greying hair, medium build, wearing a flowing Hawian style dress. First stopping at the counter they get coffee and then make their way over to her.
"Rev. Mahoney?"
"Yes."
"Josh Holiday and my fiance՛ Nikki Caetano."
"A pleasure. Please, sit."
"Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice. We are trying to pull everything together before Nikki as to return to sea."
Nikki went on to explain after noticing a curious look from the Rev, " I'm a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy, out of Cairns. We have a weeks shore leave."
"May I call you Josh?"
"Please."
" What is it that you do?"
" I work for a leisure dive company here in Palm Cove. I am also doing some instruction."
"And how did you two meet?"
" We both served on the same ship, HMAS Hammersley," Nikki said.
" I have just recently been discharged from the Navy. Nikki and I met when she joined the ship that I was assigned to, a little over a year ago," Josh answered. " We took to each other straight away."
Nikki continued, " I know that this is going to sound corny, but when I met Josh, I felt this instant pull. As it turned out, he felt the same thing. We are meant to be together."
" Isn't there a rule against shipmates and relationships? With you both feeling this way, it must have been very difficult."
" We managed," Josh told her, " We kept it friendly on the ship, coffee, meals, we'd talk when we weren't on duty. No PDA, nothing physical, romance off the ship only and discrete."
Nikki adds, " After the first 6 months, Josh posted off of Hammersley so that we could be together. As long as we weren't on the same ship, we could date. After 3 months he was posted back on."
" That must have been difficult for both of you."
" It was, we had to go back to keeping everything off the radar on the ship. We were very careful not to be seen together during shore leave."
" What changed?"
" The last 3 months were particularly difficult for me," Josh continues, " both emotionally and physically. I came very close to losing my leg, thanks to Nikki I still have both. I was almost blown to bits by an underwater bomb, this along with the depravity that we see." Josh says solemnly. When our last patrol ended, I resigned from the Navy."
"How long were you in?"
"12 years. My original goal was to make to 15."
"How did that make you feel?"
" Honestly, relieved and now we could be together. No more hiding." Nikki reached over and took his hand that was resting on the table.
" Josh is a very sensitive and caring person, some of the things that we see can be quite disturbing."
"What about you, Nikki, you're still in the Navy. Any plans on leaving?"
" I love the Navy and what I do. I can't imagine doing anything else."
" How do you feel about that Josh?"
" Nikki's happy, I'm happy. She's the ship's navigator so she's not usually exposed to the dangers of boardings or shore parties. That does make it easier."
"And when she's at sea, how do you cope with the separation?"
"Having been in the Navy for 12 years myself, I am well acquainted with life in the Navy."
Nikki adds, " We miss each other terribly but it makes homecoming sweeter. We email every day and Skype when we can." she says smiling.
" How long have you been engaged?"
" A little over 3 months," Nikki replies.
" So, you were engaged while still serving on the same ship."
" I just couldn't wait any longer." says Josh, " I told her my plan to leave the Navy at the end of the rotation but I ended up leaving sooner."
" Josh, Nikki, you strike me as a very stable and committed couple who will be able to meet the challenges you may encounter in your marriage."
Nikki was still holding his hand and he added his other hand on top of hers, " I would say that we are completely committed to each other." Josh says.
" That's what I like to hear. I like to be confident that the couples I marry are marrying for the right reasons and are going to fully commit to the marriage. I would say that the two of you fully meet that standard… Now, can you tell me what it is that you have in mind."
" We know that this is very different, and a little off the wall, but we would really like to be married at Crystal Cascades. There is a large table rock there where the cascades flow past. It's so peaceful and the site of our first kiss. It would mean a short hike of about 20 minutes.
That is our number one choice," Josh tells her.
" Our second choice," Nikki says, " would be the beach near the Sarayi Hotel, where we exchanged our first I love you's," as she looks at Josh.
Rev. Mahoney couldn't help but smile while thinking about how sweet they are together.
" The beach, of course, would be easier and family could be there, but honestly this day belongs to Nikki and I. We would love for it to be just us as that's how it's been for us since we've been together."
" Don't base your decision on me… I will be there either way," then smiling, " I hike. Just one more thing. Do you have any dates in mind?"
" I have to check with the Commander as to when I can get extended leave. They will have to find someone to replace me as I am what is called ' a ship stopper'. They can't sail without a navigator."
" I see, well as soon as you know, let me know."
" Rev. Mahoney, thank you very much."
" Josh, Nikki, it will be my pleasure to marry such a committed couple," she says as she is standing reaching out to shake their hands. " Let me know what you decide."
" We will," Nikki says to her. With that, they all left the Cafe՛. " Wow, Josh, I really like her."
"Yeah, me too. I think she's perfect."
Walking back to the hotel, Nikki looks at Josh, " I would say that we've had a very productive day, don't you think?"
" No argument from me," grabbing her hand and lacing their fingers together as they walk. " When we get back, how about a swim?"
" You read my mind."
After spending some time in the pool they went back to their room and got lost in each other before taking a nap. They had dinner in the hotel's bistro followed by a sunset walk on the beach.
Josh woke the next morning to Nikki nesting up against him and loving it. He carefully extricated himself, took a shower and ordered room service breakfast for the balcony.
" Nikki," softly, Kissing her lightly, " time to wake up, Luv. I've ordered breakfast."
She rolls over, smiles and stretches, then getting up, " I'll be with you in a minute, going to grab a quick shower."
After checking out Josh took her to the docks to see the boat that he was working on and to meet the owner and his boss. " So! This is the lovely soon to be Mrs Holiday!" John says greeting Nikki.
"Nikki, this is John, the owner and captain of this fine vessel," Josh says to her.
"Hi, Very nice to meet you. Josh has told me how much he really enjoys working for you."
" We are loving having him. He's great with our guests, they love him."
" Okay… enough accolades," Josh says. " Hey, Nikki, here is my dive partner, Evan."
Offering his hand, " A pleasure, Miss Nikki."
" Evan, it's nice to meet you. Please keep him safe."
"Nikki, he's the safest diver I have ever worked with."
"That's good to know."
"Oi! Right here!" Josh exclaims.
Leaving the docks it's time to head back to Cairns and a quiet lazy afternoon.
The next day, Nikki called Mike and asked for a meeting. Arriving at his office, she knocks on the door frame, " Sir," then saluting.
"Nikki! How's shore leave?"
"Pretty fantastic, Sir."
Mike couldn't help but grin, " I bet, come, sit. What can I do for you?"
"Josh and I would like to set a date for our wedding and we would like our Hammersley family to be able to celebrate with us."
" I see. Let me look into when Hammersley will be due for a major maintenance, and I'll get back to you."
"That would be perfect, Sir. Thank you."
" It's a pleasure, Nikki. I am very happy for you and Josh."
Nikki stands, salutes, and heads out of NAVCOM to go and try on her dress.
The saleswoman brings the dress into the dressing area and helps Nikki into it. " Can I find you anything else to try?"
"No, thank you. I am fairly sure that this is the one." The dress is white with a lace overlay, fitted bodice, a gentle v-neckline both front and back, and a flowing hi-low hemline.
The saleswoman looks at her in the dress and says " You look absolutely stunning! You are right, this is the dress."
Nikki bought the dress and then stopped at a nearby florist. Walking in she is greeted by the salesperson. " Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I am looking for a modest teardrop bouquet of frangipani for my wedding." She was shown several pictures and she saw what she was looking for. " Can I get this one with yellow, blue-tipped, frangipani?"
" Of course. Let us know when you need it so that we can order the flowers."
" Also, I would like the same frangipani on a hair comb."
"No problem."
" Fantastic! As soon as I have a date I'll be in to order everything."
" Could I have your name and I'll put you in the book?"
"Nikki Caetano and here is my phone number as well."
" I look forward to hearing from you."
Mike had reached out to Fleet Command and found out that Hammersley was scheduled to go in for its overhaul maintenance from May 25th through June 25th.
As soon as he had the information he called Nikki and told her that he would be granting her one month R&R for personal reasons, during that time.
"Josh!" Nikki called out.
"I'm out here," he answered from the balcony.
Nikki rushed out to join him, " I just heard back from Mike! Hammersley is going in for its yearly major maintenance from the last week in May through the last week of June. He is giving me a month's R&R during that time for 'personal reasons'."
"That's bloody fantastic! Let's pick a date!"
Nikki got on to the lounge with him and snuggled in. " I was thinking of June 2nd. That will give us time for all the last minute things and time for a nice honeymoon."
"Works for me," pulling her in and kissing her slowly. "Speaking of the honeymoon, I already have a place in mind. I have been doing some research and I know that you'll love it."
"Really… Care to share?"
"Nope, the honeymoon is on me, and in honour of our first official date, it's a mystery," kissing her on the top of her head.
Nikki was smiling and thinking about how sweet he is. " Well, today is April 16th, that gives us about 6 weeks to pull it all together."
"I don't think that's a problem, do you? We've done most of the work already."
"How about a guest list? And we still have to tell our families."
" What did you have in mind for guests?" Josh asks.
" Our immediate family, parents, siblings and their guests."
"Kids?"
" I was thinking that we would leave that up to the parents," Nikki replies.
"Makes sense, and the close members from Hammersley's crew."
"Of course."
Josh untangles himself from Nikki, " I'm going to get a pad so we can make a list."
Returning with a pad and pen, he sits down next to Nikki ready to make their guest list and get a count.
"Ok," he says, " let's see what we have…"
" Holidays…" Josh lists…
Mum, Dad, Amelia & Dom and Stacy & guest.
Amelia and Dom have 2 kids ages 4 & 6
"Caetanos…" Josh looks to Nikki…
Mum, Dad, Jeffery & Melissa, they have 3 kids
Danny, Scott, and Nathan and guests.
" That leaves the crew."
Swain & Sally, Chloe
Buffer + 1
Spider + 1
Bomber + 1
RO +1
" What about 2 Dads?" Nikki asks, " I don't want him to feel left out."
"Do you work well with him?"
"I do now, it just took awhile for me to get used to him. He's so different from you."
" So, Ok, 2 Dads with a + 1, Mike and Kate and the Reverend. That makes...37. What do you think? "
"Well," Nikki says, " Without eloping that's probably as small as we can get."
"Alright, guess it's time to make some phone calls, book the reception and the rooms. Also Rev. Mahoney."
"Josh, I'm so excited!"
" Me too."
Josh got out Rev. Mahoney's number and called. " Melanie Mahoney."
"Reverend Mahoney, Josh Holiday. Nikki and I spoke with you last week about officiating our wedding…"
"Yes, of course, what can I help you with?"
"We have settled on a date if it will work for you."
"When were you thinking?"
"June 2nd."
"Hold on, let me get my book…. Looks like you are all set. I am completely free that day. What time did you have in mind?"
"Ahh, Nikki and I didn't talk about that… Nikki, what time do you think?"
"Umm, how does 11 am sound?"
"Reverend will 11 work for you?"
"Absolutely. Get in touch about 2 weeks before, say around May 19th. Then we will meet and go over everything."
"Will do, thank you."
"My pleasure."
Now that the date was settled, Josh called the hotel. " Hi, this is Josh Holiday, is Janet available?"
"I believe so," the desk clerk said, " just a moment I'll transfer you."
"Mr Holiday, Josh, have you and Nikki decided on a date?"
" Yeah, June 2nd, will that work for you?"
Janet checks her planner, " that will be fine. What time?"
" We are being married at Crystal Cascades in Redlynch at 11. It's a 35 min drive, so with pictures, say 1:00? Does that sound right? It's a simple ceremony."
" Great, that should work out fine. Do you have tentative guest numbers?"
" Looks like 37 with children," Josh replies.
"Now, would you like us to proceed with the DJ and the cake?"
" That would be great."
"Alright then, let's meet the first week in May and we'll pick out your cake and the menu, oh, and also whatever special music you would like for the first dance and whatever. Also, you mentioned needing some rooms. We can take care of that now if you like. What do you think that you will need?"
" Looks like 8, for one night, possibly less, and a suite for Nikki and I for 2 nights."
"Okay, then I will need a 50% deposit for the rooms, no charge for cancelling if it's a week or more before the booking.
Getting out his credit card, Josh gives her the numbers.
"Well, that should do it," Janet says, " I look forward to seeing you both in May."
"For sure, we'll see you then."
Nikki and Josh invited Mike and Kate to dinner. Once everyone was settled around the table, Nikki started. " Mike, Kate, you both enabled our relationship to grow with your understanding and quiet support. I can't thank you both enough for not calling us out."
" It's because of the professionalism that you both showed that allowed me to be able to turn a blind eye. I believe that Kate feels the same. You both just seemed so right together and you gave us no reason to interfere."
Josh continues, " Nikki and I would like you both to stand with us as we are married."
They both looked stunned.
"Kate," Nikki continues, " You helped me through so many difficult times it will be wonderful to have you stand with me for a good one."
Mike looks at Kate and takes her hand, " We would be honoured."
They continued to enjoy their dinner and company for the remainder of the evening.
The following day they tackled the next hurdle, notifying the parents. Because of their situation with the Navy, they haven't met each other's parents yet. Josh had spoken to his parents about seeing someone special, but not how serious he was. Nikki hadn't said anything to her parents. I was time for a visit.
" Josh, what do you think about next shore leave we spend some time with them?"
"I think that would be good. We should have them come here just in case you get crash sailed."
"Good, I'll call and tell Mum and Dad that I have someone special that I want them to meet during my next shore leave and explain the need for them to come here," Nikki says.
"I'll do the same. Do you want them both here at the same time?"
"I don't know… what do you think?"
" It would be good for them to meet each other."
" Alright, let's call tonight," Nikki says while snuggling up to Josh on the couch.
"Josh.."
"Hmmm," as he was relaxing with his eyes closed.
" I would really like to have the ceremony at the cascades, Just us and Mike and Kate. We had to make it here on our own by supporting each other. I think that this way It's a symbol of what we've done together."
" That sounds great," leaning over and kissing her head. "Let's go to that Italian restaurant on Machas Beach. We can call our parents when we get back."
Nikki smiles up at him, " lets."
Tomorrow is Friday night and everyone will be at the pub. They decide to make their announcement and give out their verbal invitation. The announcement was met with a round of guava mojos compliments of Charge and a wild round of clapping and cheering.
Buffer stands and raises his glass, " ET, here's a toast to your persistence, you never gave up on capturing one of the best girls in the Navy.!"
"CHEERS!"
Then Bomber stands raising her glass, " Nikki, Josh, you two are so meant for each other. I am so happy for you both."
"CHEERS!"
" I am so privileged to have you all as mates. That includes you Bomber. Nikki and I want to extend an invitation to help us celebrate our wedding. The date is June 2, Hammersley will be in for her annual service so you all will be on leave. So… no excuses!" They all laugh. " We're going to be married in a private ceremony at Crystal Cascades, in a spot that is very special to us. There will be a reception party at the Sarayi Hotel in Palm Cove at 1 pm. Dress is dressy casual. You are all invited and feel free to bring a guest. Nikki will give you all a more formal invitation next time Hammersley goes out."
The remainder of the evening is spent in the usual rowdy fun mixed in with some good-hearted teasing.
Three weeks later, May 8th:
Hammersley is due anytime now and Josh is on the wharf waiting. They had been out for two weeks with 2 quick turn-around returns to port. Kate excused Nikki from shore leave watches so that they could meet with their families and her crewmates were fine with that. They were to be in port for one week.
Nikki came down the gangway and straight into Josh's arms, " Welcome home, baby."
"It's so good to be here. I missed you."
"Missed you too."
Once they were settled in the car, " So, Mum and Dad will be here tomorrow?" Nikki asks.
"Their flight arrives at noon. I booked both parents at the Holiday, it's close."
" What about your parents?"
"They come in 3 days. I thought that we might spend Saturday with my parents when they come in and then introduce everyone on Sunday. Maybe over brunch?"
" Perfect, Josh."
Nikki's shore leave went by in what seemed like a blink and without a crash sail.
Josh's parents, Diane and James fell in love with Nikki instantly. They told her how happy they were that Josh had found someone to ground him. They were concerned at first at how things were going to work with Nikki still being in the Navy but relaxed when they understood how committed they are to each other and with Josh's total support of Nikki's career.
Things went basically the same way with Nikki's parents they could see how over the moon they were about each other.
The Holiday's and Caetano's flew out the same day. Josh's parents to Melbourne and Nikki's to Perth.
The wedding is now just 3 weeks away. Josh and Nikki took the last 2 days of her shore leave just relaxing and enjoying being together.
"Nikki, we should try and meet with Janet before you leave, yes? We need to pick our cake and menu."
"Okay, let's see if tomorrow will be ok. Josh, if I'm crash sailed I trust any decisions that you have to make. The details are not what's important to me. It's the getting married part that is important," leaning in for a kiss.
Janet was available so they drove to Palm Cove. They ordered a 2 tier yellow cake with strawberry and cream filling and a cascade of blue and yellow flowers. They also decided on an informal buffet.
As Nikki's month of R&R was to begin May 25th, they arranged to meet with Rev. Mahoney on the 26th. During their meeting with Melanie, they voiced their concern that their spot could be occupied. Melanie suggested they hire a couple of teens to stake a claim on it for them. As a surprise for them, Janet ordered a large bag of pink rose petals for the teens to spread on the rock just before they were to get there.
June 1st. :
Josh and Nikki started to pack their things before heading to Palm Cove.
"Josh, I don't know what to pack?"
"Pack for casual, swimming and hiking. Something nice for a dinner or two, not too fancy. I think I'm going to get a room for tonight."
"Why? I thought we weren't going to do that silliness."
" I was just thinking that maybe you would want some privacy getting ready in the morning."
" It's no biggie, You get ready first and go down to breakfast with the family and I'll meet you in the lobby when it's time to leave. Please stay."
Chuckling and pulling her close, " Well... if you insist."
"I do"
The Day!:
Josh slides out of bed, showers, shaves and dresses in his new shirt and white slacks and with a grin his tennies. Nikki is still sleeping as he lightly kisses her cheek and whispers, "I'll see you later in the lobby. I love you." Then starts to leave to meet the families for breakfast. Just as he reaches the door, " I love you too, see ya soon." Nikki says sleepily.
Room service arrived with breakfast which was set up on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Kate arrived right after. Greeting her at the door with a hug, they sat down to eat.
"Josh stayed with you last night?"
" I know it's a bit over the top, but I just like him near when he can be. I guess it's the whole separation thing. I don't go in for all of that wedding nonsense anyway. We're living together for goodness sake."
"You're not over the top, Nikki. Your fantastically in love and I agree, that pre-wedding stuff is a lot of rubbish."
" I did want to surprise him with the dress so I didn't want him to see me getting ready." Nikki giggles.
"Nothing wrong with that."
After breakfast, Nikki showered and Kate helped her to get ready. "Nikki that dress is fabulous! It looks so perfect on you. Where did you get it?"
" Sally's Dresses, in the mall. I was just browsing when I came upon it. I knew as soon as I saw it that that was the one. I had them put a hold on it hoping we would be getting married soon."
Kate helped Nikki with her hair, sweeping up one side and slipping in the comb with the frangipani that matched her bouquet. Nikki takes a deep breath and Kate asks her if she's ready. They were to meet in the lobby a 10.
Smiling she replies, " More than."
"Are you ready Lieutenant?"
Laughing, " Yes, I'm going to slip on these sandals and then change into my tennies in the car," Nikki tells her.
"Mike will be downstairs with Josh. He's wearing his favourite blue shirt for luck." That made Nikki smile.
Josh was waiting near the bottom of the stairs as Nikki came down, " My God, I didn't think it possible that you could get more beautiful!" giving her a gentle hug and kiss.
" Well, are we all ready? Josh, Nikki, I arranged for a car for us," Mike tells them. When they walk outside there is a sleek stretch limo waiting for them.
"Mike! This is wonderful! Thank you so much!" Nikki gives him a hug.
"Really, Mike, thank you. This is special," Josh says.
" The wedding party needs a limo," he says with a Mike smile.
When they arrived at the car park at the cascades, Rev. Mahoney was already there waiting along with the photographer. Melanie dressed in a flowing tunic style dress, walks over to meet them.
Once everyone was out of the car, Josh stepped forward, " Reverend Mahoney," Josh began, " This is Commander Mike Flynn. He was my CO when I was serving on HMAS Hammersley. And this is Lieutenant Commander Kate MacGregor. She was the Executive Officer during that same time. She is now Nikki's CO."
"A pleasure! Thank you for coming and sharing in Nikki and Josh's joy!" shaking their hands.
"Well," Josh says, " Are we all ready?" Josh takes Nikki's hand and they lead the way up the trail to their rock. Reverend Mahoney follows them while Kate and Mike, holding hands, bringing up the rear. The photographer had gone ahead to get some shots of them coming up the trail.
Josh can't stop looking at her, " Nikki, you are so beautiful."
" You're looking pretty good yourself, mister," squeezing his hand.
When they arrived, they thanked the two teens who then went on their way.
"Oh! Josh!" Nikki exclaimed when she saw the rose petals covering the rock.
" I wish that I could take the credit, but this one wasn't me."
Rev. Mahoney ushers them into place with her back to the falls and them standing before her. Mike and Kate are standing to the side holding hands. Josh and Nikki face each other and Josh takes her hands.
" Josh and Nikki are here in their very special place to seal their commitment to each other. I can't think of a more perfect setting with the cascading water symbolizing their ever-flowing journey through life. Josh, would you like to tell Nikki your vow?"
" Nikki, before we met I was just floating through life. True, I was having fun but I wasn't going anywhere. Then I saw you that day that you joined the Hammersley crew. I can't explain it but I felt something amazing that made it so I had to get to know you. From that moment on nothing mattered but you. You are my everything. You, dear Nikki, have grounded me and became my lifeline. I'm not sure how I would have gotten through those last few months without you, your love, and support. Thank you. Nikki, I need you in my life. I want you in my life. You are my life. I love you." Josh bends and kisses her hands while his eyes were wet with tears.
Wiping her eyes, " Nikki?" Rev. Mahoney prompts.
" Oh, Josh. When we first met my first day on Hammersley, I knew that I was in trouble. (smiling) I'm an officer, I knew the rules about relationships on board the ship, but my heart wouldn't let me care. When you looked at me with such adoration in those blue eyes, I was smitten. I had to get to know you. What I found was a kind and gentle, caring man who was always ready and willing to help someone in need,(smiling) which sometimes got you into hot water. You stayed with me even when I was a jealous bitch, (Josh chuckles). You make me feel special. You make me feel loved and I wanted… I need to be with you throughout my life. I love you so much." She kisses his hands.
Kate standing with Mike, their hands joined, couldn't help her tears as they professed their love for each other.
Josh and Nikki, still holding hands turned slightly towards Rev. Mahoney.
" Josh, repeat after me; I Joshua Holiday commit myself to you. I will love you and support you through whatever life may bring. I am your partner, your lover, your friend. Nikki, wear this ring as a symbol of my never-ending love." Josh slips Nikki's ring onto her finger, then kisses her hand.
"Nikki, repeat after me…" Repeating the vow, Nikki then slips Josh's ring onto his finger with a kiss.
" Josh, Nikki, you are now joined as one. Go in happiness and peace."
As they kissed they could taste their tears. " Josh, I am so very happy." " Me too."
The photographer then moved forward to take some photos with the falls as a backdrop. Once the pictures were done, they started back down the trail to the waiting limo.
Mike approached Rev. Mahoney, " I would like to let Nikki and Josh have the limo, could we ride back with you?"
" Of course! That is very nice of you. Please, call me Melanie."
Josh and Nikki climbed into the limousine to find a bottle of champagne on ice also compliments of Kate and Mike. They drank champagne and got lost in each other.
Arriving back at the hotel they moved onto the beach for pictures with their families and one with the Hammersley crew. Once they were finished taking the pictures they moved to the patio area for the reception. After greeting their guests, Janet had them start the buffet with Mike, Kate, and the Reverend, the rest of the guests to follow.
Once the meal was cleared away, Mike stood and offered a toast... " There comes a time when you meet your one true love, your soulmate. For Nikki and Josh, much to the dismay of the Navy, if it was known, that day came when they first met a little over a year ago on Hammersley. Josh and Nikki's relationship survived the stress of having to keep it hidden and secret. I must say they managed very well. There were a few circumstances where their caring for each other would breakthrough, I chose to look the other way and convince myself that it was just a close friendship. They know what those instances where. Now when you see them together you see nothing but love and joy. They belong together... To Josh and Nikki ...
Then the DJ called for their first dance.
"Josh and Nikki have chosen Ed Sheerin's Perfect as their song. Josh… Nikki."
They make their way to the dance floor, and as the music begins they dance holding each other close, Nikki's head resting on his shoulder…
I found a love, for me
Darling just dive right in and follow my lead
Well I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the one waiting for me…
Darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I know
And in your eyes your holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms,
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song…
I whispered under my breath, Darling you look perfect tonight
Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets, to carry love, to carry children of our own…
Darling hold my hand, be my girl and I'll be your man
I see the future in your eyes….
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I've met an angel in person, and she looks perfect
No, I don't deserve this,
You look perfect tonight
When the song finished they softly kissed. They exited the dance floor and it was open for the guests. Nikki and Josh made their way over to the Hammersley tables.
"Hey, Charge!" Josh greets them, " I believe you have something to discuss with the bartender" grinning.
"I thought you'd never ask!" Charge replies.
Fifteen minutes later, Charge returns with one of the wait staff helping him with a tray of drinks, " Guava Mojo!" he shouts.
Nikki's and Josh's parents looked a bit perplexed, Nikki explained. " This is a Hammersley tradition and Charge's specialty."
Josh adds, " It's quite good, but strong. Would you like me to get you one?"
They all said yes, so Josh had Charge deliver a tray to the families.
The afternoon seemed to fly by. They cut the cake and everyone enjoyed a piece with a brew. Then one last dance and they were saying goodbye to everyone. Their parents met them in the lobby.
" Josh, Nikki," Josh's father begins, " We are so happy for you both. Now, do try and get down to see us. Oh, and Josh, we took care of the hotel bill for both families, you shouldn't be burdened with that."
Josh and Nikki looked at each other then Nikki spoke up, " Mr Holiday…"
"Nikki, it's James and Diane, please."
"James, that is so incredibly generous of you and Diane. Thank you so very much."
" No worries, our pleasure."
" Dad, thank you."
"So, well all meet here in the morning for breakfast? 8:00? We have a 12:15 flight out of Cairns." Josh says.
With that, they returned to their suite as husband and wife. Josh unlocked the door and then swooped her off her feet taking her by surprise as he carried her into the room, kicking the door shut behind him and then placing her on the bed. He lays down next to her and begins a long impassioned kiss and the start of their honeymoon.
Morning arrives and it's time for the next journey. After packing their things they had them brought down to the lobby. They had arranged to have breakfast with their families, Mike and Kate. There were several tables ready for them on the outside patio.
Diane Holiday and Nikki's mom were getting on fabulously. Diane leans over to her and whispers, " They look fantastically happy."
"That they do. Josh is wonderful, I am so pleased Nikki found a man as great as he is."
" Nikki has made him so happy, more grounded. She is very special."
Following breakfast, they said their goodbyes and took the limo that Josh had booked to the airport for their 12:15 flight into Newcastle Airport, New South Wales. After their 4 hour flight, they were both ready for a stretch. Retrieving their luggage Josh lead Nikki outside where he had booked another limo to take them to the Retreat. Nikki was still in the dark as to where they were going but enjoyed looking out the window. Josh was loving it, enjoying his surprise for her.
The limo pulled up to the entrance and Josh had Nikki stay in the car while he checked in. Ten minutes later, Josh returned to the car. The driver left their bags with the Porter and Josh paid him.
"Mr and Mrs Holiday, please follow me," Porter said.
"I love the sound of that," Nikki said.
" Ya, me too," taking her hand.
They were led down a winding path and through the forest to a treehouse.
Nikki looked at it in wonder, "Josh! Is that ours?"
" For the next 10 days, anyway," he says.
Nikkie pulled him into her arms and kissed him, " You're amazing Josh Holiday."
" Anything for you."
The bags were brought up into their treehouse. " Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr Holiday?"
"No, thank you very much."
"Enjoy your stay."
Josh took Nikki's hand and they ascended into their cabin in the trees.
There was a chilled bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting for them. The tree hut sported a 4 poster bed with sheer curtains around. There was a small lounge area and kitchenette. Double glass doors open up to a nice balcony deck with table and chairs outside there was a double lounge chair and a hammock.
Josh opened the champagne, poured them each a glass then grabbing the strawberries, they went out to the deck and snuggled on the lounge chair.
" They told me that you can sometimes see koalas in the trees," Josh tells her.
"That would be fantastic!"
Finishing their champagne, snuggling led to caressing, kissing and retiring inside.
Nikki was on the deck in the morning with a brew when she spotted the tree in front of her moving. Watching quietly she heard rustling and then she saw it, a koala. Moving slowly to the open door she called for Josh. " Josh, come quick!"
"What's up?"
" Look there, in the trees."
Spotting the koala Josh says, " this is going to be a fantastic 10 days."
Nikki snuggles up to him for a kiss, " Josh, thank you for this. I can't imagine a better honeymoon."