Chapter 15

They arrived at Gerald's place and Akaliiani pushed the door open without knocking, as she always did. She and AJ caught Gerald and Adel sharing a kiss. Liiani giggled and said, "Way to go, Pops!"

"I should have taught that girl to knock," Gerald told Adel.

"Oh I bet she knows how," Adel said with a wink at Akaliiani. "I think she was hoping to catch us doing exactly what we were doing."

Liiani swallowed a lump in her throat and said, "I am just glad to see the two of you are as happy as we are."

At the Willard, they were shown to a table by the window where they had a fantastic view of the city. Both men held out chairs for their ladies. The waiter handed them menus and left them to decide what to eat. The four discussed several options. Gerald and AJ decided on the surf and turf platter. Adel told them that she was always a Texas girl and ordered a T-bone steak. Akaliiani decided on shrimp scampi.

When the waiter arrived to take their order AJ told him that they also wanted a bottle of champagne.

As soon as their orders were placed AJ offered his hand to Akaliiani and asked, "Would you dance with me, my love?"

Taking his hand with a smile, she said, "Of course I will."

Gerald, not to be outdone, grinned at Adel and requested, "Will you dance with me, wife?"

"Any time, and anywhere, you handsome man!"

Both couples danced until they saw the waiter bring their first course and the champagne AJ had ordered to their table.

When dinner was finished AJ put his napkin down and asked, "Adel will you dance with me?"

"I would love to baby brother," she replied.

Akaliiani giggled at AJ being referred to in that manner. She then joined her father on the dance floor.

The evening ended after each couple had another dance with each other. The four arrived at the Benet house and everyone said good night. After Gerald and Adel closed the door to his first floor home, AJ walked Akaliiani to her second floor staircase. He was about to kiss her good night when Akaliiani gave him a gentle smile and took him by the hand, pulling him behind her up the stairs.

Mac entered her apartment that night to hear her phone ringing. She put her briefcase on the floor and just gave a push to close the door as she hurried across the living room to answer it.

"Hello beautiful," was the response to her breathless hello.

A warm glow came over her just to hear Trevor's voice. She couldn't explain it, but for some reason she just felt all warm and gooey when they were in contact.

"I'm afraid there is no one here by that name," she told him, trying to hold back a girlish giggle.

"Sarah," he scolded.

"Sorry," she mumbled. "It's just so much easier to believe that when I can see it in your eyes."

"Well, how about flying out to see me this weekend so that can happen!?

"That would be everything! I'll book my flight tonight and call you with the details."

"Perfect," he told her. The call continued for several more minutes as she told him about his father's wedding and how happy Gerald was with AJ's sister.

The next morning AJ had a meeting with the SECNAV that he couldn't get out of, so Akaliiani took the newlywed couple to the airport to see them on their way to Texas. Saying good-bye to her father was hard, but Adel's promise to take care of him helped to reassure her that he would be okay.

They promised to call each other often and he reminded her that they would be back for her wedding in just a few weeks. Finally their flight was called and there was only time for one last round of hugs before Gerald and Adel had to board the plane.

To be continued…..