Wednesday, July 29th:
It was one week after Nikki left on patrol that Josh had his first encounter with a "casserole cougar". It was just 4:00, Gale was napping and Josh was just about to join her when he heard someone at the door. Slipping his shirt on but not bothering to button it he goes to answer it… ( who could that be?) he asked himself.
Opening the door he finds a very attractive red-headed woman, who appeared to be in her thirties, wearing a low cut sundress, carrying a casserole dish and a bottle of wine.
"Uhhh, hi," he stammered. " Do you have the wrong door?"
"No… I don't believe I do. I'm Caroline, I live just down the street and I couldn't help but notice that you are alone a lot. I've seen you walking with your little baby and down by the pool. I thought I would stop by and see if you'd like some company," she said with a suggestive smile.
" Uhhh, Caroline, is it?... I appreciate the offer of… a meal and some company…" Josh forever trying to be polite. " But, I'm married, you see. Very happily married."
"What I see is a woman who left her very attractive husband alone while she's off playing Sailor."
"Okay...Caroline...I love my wife. So, I assume that we're neighbours? Let's just say this encounter never happened," waving his hand back and forth between them. You should return to where you came from. Enjoy your wine and dinner." Then irritated, he retreated back into the house, closed the door and stood in the entryway totally dumbfounded. ( wonder if Navy wives have to put up with that bull shit...I'll have to ask Sally. Hope she spreads the word to her feline friends that there's nothing to find here.)
Returning upstairs he went to the kitchen, got a beer knowing there wouldn't be a nap now went back out on the balcony. Sitting in his lounge, sipping his beer thinking, ( I'm not telling Nikki about this until she gets home. I don't want to have her worrying over nothing.)
Getting his laptop he sent a quick email to Nikki. *Hi Babe, I miss you. If you can skype later drop me a message when. Hugs, Love you. *
An hour later his laptop alerted to a new email. * 7:30… Love you!*
When the Lasagna from the freezer was finished warming, Josh made a salad, got another beer and took his supper outside.
At 6:00, right on cue, Gale woke for her change and a bottle. After feeding her, she got her bath and then they went to wait for mommy's call.
"Hey, Babe, busy day?" Josh said as he opened the video chat screen."
"Hi, Luv. Yeah, we chased down a mothership.
"That's cool, everything go okay?"
" Dutchy and gang ran into a bit of resistance but it all turned out alright. We have the crew in Austere. Kingston is on their way in so we'll be transferring them over. We have a couple of Sailors bringing the ship in."
"I have to admit that I worry less knowing that you aren't directly involved with those boardings. It would just kill me if you were," chuckling. " Dr Holmes would have to medicate me."
" No worries, I'm safe and cozy on the bridge with Kate and RO watching from the sidelines. Now hold our beautiful baby up more so I can see her."
Smiling, " Better?"
"Much," Nikki started talking to her, " Hey baby girl, are you being good for Daddy?" Gale started waving and kicking at the sound of Nikki's voice which made her heartache for her, making her laugh and cry at the same time."
"Just one more week, Luv. Any word on how long shore leave will be?"
" Last I heard, 10 days."
"That's awesome!"
They talked and played with Gale for another 15 minutes before saying good night, both shutting their laptops with a sigh.
On Hammersley, Nikki settled at her desk to start in on her reports while at home Josh turned on the TV then laid down on the couch with Gale cuddled on his chest as he settled in to watch one of his favourite shows...Reef Diving Adventures. It wasn't too long before they were both asleep.
On Saturday Nikki told Josh in her email that they would be in port 2 days earlier than expected as they were towing an FFV back to Cairns.
*I'll let you know when we are a couple of hours out.* she wrote. * This isn't going to affect our shore leave, in fact, we'll get two extra days if we don't crash sail. *
Josh heard his laptop ping signalling an email. Surprised, he opened his email and saw one from Nikki. ( Nik didn't usually write until evening...huh...wonder what's up.) Opening her email and reading the message, he started grinning like a fool. Picking up Gale and giving her a kiss he started bouncing around the living room like a little kid all the while sporting a silly grin. " Mommy's coming home!"
Later after feeding Gale her nooner, as he likes to call it, he put her down for a nap and retreated to his favourite lounge chair with his kindle and a beer.
After re-reading the same paragraph 3 times, he gave up as he realized that he was too distracted to read. ( I want to do something special for Nikki…)
Then an idea popped into his head and he started to work out the details.
Gale woke about an hour later and he got her ready to go out. " Little Poppet, we're off to work on a surprise for Mummy," kissing her head.
Josh pulled into the car park at the commercial pier. After getting Gale settled in her stroller he set off for International Aquarium Suppliers (I.A.S.) a tropical fish wholesaler that he had met when he was diving for those mongrels, the Robson's. Fortunately, I.A.S only bought fish and coral from them and had nothing to do with Robson's oil skimming scheme.
Josh opened the door to the front office and was surprised to see that Joel, the owner, happened to be there.
"Oi! Look what the sea just washed up! Good to see ya, Mate! Heard you had quite an adventure," clasping Josh's hand and giving him a back slap at the same time.
"Joel, Mate! It's good to see you too!."
"So, what brings you to my very worthy establishment?"
" I was hoping that you would be able to help me with a gift for my very lovely and special wife."
"Married are ya now!"
"Yup, almost a year."
"And who is this lovely little mermaid?"
"This is Gale, our daughter."
"So, you've got the ' Daddy duty'."
"Well, technically, I guess, Nikki's a LT in the Navy. She's currently out on patrol."
"What about you, are you working? You left the Navy, I take it?"
"Yup, outta the Navy and taking care of our little Poppet. I left the Navy a little over a year ago."
"So, Mate, what can I help you with?"
Josh explained how he had proposed to Nikki and then how they let the little girl that had been looking after their fish while they were missing, keep him.
"I want to give her another one, I caught that one for her when I was diving for Robson. I plan on having the tank set up before she gets home on Thursday."
"Not a problem. Let's go see what I've got."
Josh found the perfect clownfish and some coral.
"What size tank are you getting?"
" 20 L ( 5 gal ) to start. I'm going to head over to Rumford's Aquarium when I leave here and get all of the equipment I'll need."
"Good enough. I'll get the little fella ready for ya. Come by anytime tomorrow after you are all set up."
"Joel, that's fantastic, Mate. Thank you. How much do I owe you?"
" On the house for a fellow marine diver. We're good."
"Thank you. I'll be by tomorrow, 11:00 ok?"
"That'll do. See ya then."
Josh shook his hand and then headed for the car.
Snugging Gale into her car seat, " All right Poppet, next stop the aquarium."
Parking the car, he took Gale out of the car while still in her car seat and then positioned it on the front of the shopping cart.
"Here we go, let's find some cool stuff for Mummsy." Loading up the carriage he found the perfect 20 L tank that came with a light and filter. Then he added an air pump and stone, bottom rocks and some plants. He also found a cool rock tunnel for the fish to swim through, all the while chattering to Gale. Finally, food and water test kits and a book on saltwater fish care.
Returning to the front of the store, he paid for everything. " Time to go and play Poppet. This is going to be fun. Let's get you home and get this little project underway."
On his way home he made one more stop at the home improvement store, purchased two 20L buckets with covers and a small 1.5L pail for tank maintenance.
Josh pulled into the garage, and brought Gale in for a change and then he rocked her while she had a bottle. She was just about asleep when she finished so he placed her gently into her cot.
Returning to the car, he brought everything in and after making a coffee, he grabbed the book that he bought and went to sit outside while looking it over.
He was falling asleep while reading when he sat straight up. "What a dolt I am!" he said out loud. " I need a table to set the tank on!" (There's a bargain shop near the mall, have to check that out after Gail wakes up).
Getting up, he puts his cup in the washer then starts unpacking all of the things he bought. Placing the empty tank on the kitchen table, he went about setting it up, aquarium rocks on the bottom, the tunnel… the plants go in after there's water. He set up the filter and placed the airstone and pump.
(good to go...just needs water and Lance II)
Thinking for a moment, he got out his phone and called Sally.
"Hey, Josh! How're things?"
"Things are good, Sal. I miss her terribly but they'll be home soon.
"It does get somewhat easier."
"I don't know, Sally. It's so different being on this side of things and not on the ship. I don't think that I'll ever want it to feel routine when she's gone. "
For some reason, it was easier before we were...lost."
Smiling, " I understand. You two have been joined at the hip for over a year."
" Yeah. I'm calling to ask a favour, I'm working on a surprise for Nikki and I was wondering if you could watch Gale for an hour or so."
"No problem, what are you up to?"
"I've gotten her another clownfish and I'm setting up the tank."
" Of course, come on over whenever. I'll be here."
"Great, she should be awake soon, I'll call when I leave."
"Sounds good. Just her nappy bag will be fine, I have everything else."
Gale woke around 3:30. Josh had her nappy pack ready so he could just change her and go. "Alright Poppet, let's take you to see Aunty Sally while Daddy finishes setting up Mummsy's prezzy."
Sally saw him pull in and went out to meet him. Josh kisses Gale and then hands her over to Sally.
"I won't be long, I need to stop at the Bargain Store. I need a table to sit the tank on. I kind of forgot about that. Then over to Durnham's, you know that rocky shoreline beach? I need to fill a couple of buckets with water."
"Josh, come in a moment. I may have a table for you. We don't use it. It's in the storage shed out back." Sally took Josh to the backyard and their shed. " Here it is…"
"Sally, are you sure? This is perfect. The right size, a drawer to store supplies… It's great. Thank you!"
"No worries, now, go and get your water, we'll be here."
Fifteen minutes later he arrived at Durnham's and parked the car. Just as he thought, there was no one there. He got out his buckets, went down to the shore and filled them each half-way to make them easier to carry.
Back at the Blakes, "Hey, that was quick. Would you like a coffee or a lemonade?"
"Lemonade sounds just right."
After they were settled… "Sally, I had a strange encounter the other day…" he went on to tell her about his visitor with the casserole."
Sally started to laugh, " Well, that didn't take long."
"What do you mean?"
"Unfortunately there are these lonely women who don't give a care if you're married or single. You're an attractive, doting father which puts out the signal that you're a good guy and therefore a good catch. You handled it well. Are you planning on telling Nikki?"
"Of course, I don't ever want her to worry that I'll keep things from her but I'm going to wait until she's home though. I don't want her worried and distracted on the ship."
"That's understandable."
"Has anything like that ever happened to you?"
"Once or twice. It happens more to men. I think that those women think that you would be...ahhh...easy, you know, 'cause you might be a bit frustrated," said with a smirk.
"Jeez. Well, ok, on that note, I best be going. It'll be time for Gale's bottle soon and I am anxious to get this thing set up."
"Josh, we could have given Lance back."
"No, no, Sally. Lance lives with Chloe now. No, worries."
"But didn't you catch Lance yourself when you were diving?"
"I did. I met this fella who is a tropical aquarium supplier when I was diving for Robson's. He's getting one for me."
"That's nice."
Josh put the table in the back of the car and then took Gale from Sally, secured her into her car seat and gave Sally a quick hug.
"Sally, thanks again."
"No worries, Josh, any time."
Back home, Josh put Gale into her porta - cot that was in the living room, put on some music, and set to work. Looking around he finally settled on the best spot to put the fish tank where they would be able to see it while sitting on the couch. There's a convenient wall socket too.
Going back down to the car, he brings up the table and sets it on the wall he has chosen. After wiping off the dust he went into the kitchen and brought in the tank and set it on the table. That done it was time for the water, two trips to the car to bring up the pails then he slowly poured the water into the tank so as not to disturb the decorations and stone. The last thing that he did before starting the filter was to add the plants.
Closing the lid, " Here we go Poppet," as he turns on the plug switch and the filter comes to life and the light in the cover turns on. Josh picked her up and laid back on the couch admiring his work.
It was after 7:00 and he and Poppet were behind schedule. " Whatcha say Poppet? Bath, Bottle, Bed?"
Once Gale was down he ordered take away pizza and then checked his email. As it turned out, Nikki had left a message that she wasn't going to be able to video chat that evening as she had a double watch, one of the crew members was ill.
Josh wrote her an email, telling her about his day, sort of, and sending his love.
The next morning he went on his usual run and continued with his usual routine. At 10:30 he picked up Gale and carried her to the car, " Okay little one, time to get the fishy."
He pulled into the car park at the pier and headed over to I.A.S. to meet Joel.
"G'day, Mate!" Joel said when Josh walked in. "Gotcha fishies in the back, one sec," and went through the door that was behind the counter. Joel returned carrying a container with his clownfish and 2 blue damsels.
"I added a couple of extras for the Missus. A 20L tank would look lonely with just a clownfish," He said with a grin.
"Joel, these are great! Thank you, Mate!"
"It's all good. It was really great seeing you. Come by anytime."
"Will do."
Back at the car, Josh set the container on the floor of the back seat and then got Gale situated. " Okay now Poppet," kissing her head, " Time to get these little babies home and into the tank."
After getting Gale settled in her port-a-cot he went out to retrieve the container from the car. First, he poured off about a third of the water in the container and replaced it with water from the tank. " Okay, we have to let them sit for a bit, then we can add a little more tank water," talking to Gale.
So as not to rush the process, he scooped up Gale and took her for a change and gave her a bottle. That finished, she went down for a nap and Josh made himself a sandwich.
Talking to himself, " Okay, lunch done, time to add more water." Once this was done he grabbed his kindle and went out on the balcony to read for a bit.
An hour later, Gale was awake and it was time for the fish to meet the tank. Setting Gale down, he picked up the container and slowly poured it into the tank. Everybody looked happy and healthy and he was quite pleased with himself. Picking up Gale, he brings her over to see the fish smiling as she tries to reach for them.
Josh's laptop pinged alerting him to an email.
*Hey Babe, we should be in port tomorrow at 1300. I can't wait to see you and Poppet. Skype later? 1900? Kisses xx 💖 *
"Poppet, Mummy will be home tomorrow!"
Monday, August 3rd.:
Josh went through his morning routine and tried to keep busy waiting for the afternoon to arrive. At 12:30 he took Gale up to their balcony, settled her in her seat and picked up his binoculars, he had gotten himself the same ones that they use on the ship. Ten minutes later he could see the mast as they made their way into the harbour, then he continued to watch until the ship came into full view. He could even see the cable party getting ready for docking.
" It's time, Poppet. Let's get changed and into something pretty for Mummy." While changing her he started blowing raspberries on her tummy making her squirm and laugh. "Alright, let's go get Mummy!"
Passing through the security checkpoint he went to the officer's car park, got Gale into her stroller and headed for Hammersley's berth arriving just as she was docking. Ten minutes later the gangway was in place and the Sailors started filing off laughing and joking happy to be on shore leave.
Then there was Nikki, wearing his favourite sundress and looking fabulous. Spotting Josh and Gale and sporting a wide smile she practically bounded down the gangway only stopping for a second to salute the ensign then straight into Josh's arms.
Giving her a quick kiss, " Hi, Luv, it feels so good holding you. I missed you so much." This time kissing her thoroughly.
"I missed you too," then they broke their embrace and she bent to pick up Gale, holding her close and giving her kisses. " Let's get out of here."
"The car's in the officer's lot." Heading for the car, Nikki carried Gale while Josh pushed the stroller with Nikki's seabag.
When he pulled into the garage he said, " Nikki, don't go straight up, wait in the foyer, I have a surprise."
"Josh?"
Taking Gale upstairs to her play cot, " Just one minute." Then going back down he tied a bandana as a blindfold and guided her up the stairs, and walked her to in front of the aquarium. "Okay!"
Nikki slipped the blindfold off, blinked, then " Josh! My God, it's beautiful. A new Lancelot. I love it. What are those blue fish?"
"Damsels," he told her. " Gale and I had great fun setting this up."
" You've put it in the perfect spot, right where you can see it while sitting on the couch."
"Sit, would you like something to eat or drink?"
"How about a brew and Tim Tams?"
"I'll put the water on and bring your bag upstairs."
Nikki got comfy on the couch and watched her fish, smiling to herself as she thought about Josh.
They were sitting, watching the fish, drinking their brews and eating Tim Tams. " I thought that maybe we could take a walk later and then go out to eat? Wherever you want to go."
"Sounds perfect. How about that pub you told me about that's near the park?"
"Sure, we can walk."
Finished with her snack, Nikki brought Gale to her room, gave her a change and then a bottle while rocking her. Then she laid a sleepy Gale in her cot for a nap.
Leaving Gales room, Nikki went looking for Josh and found him in the kitchen. Going up to him, she hugged him close and kissed him deeply. Then taking his hand she led him to their bedroom. Kissing as they undress each other Josh says, " Ahhh, my favourite part of homecoming."
"Mine too."
Gale woke around four and they got ready to go out for their walk and dinner. When they left Nikki started to turn towards the park when Josh stopped her.
"I want to go this way first if that's okay."
"Sure, any particular reason?"
"It will become clear in just a few minutes."
When they were about halfway down the block, Josh stopped, pulled Nikki to him, gazed into her eyes and then pulled her in for a deep and thorough kiss."
"Josh! Wow! Not that I'm complaining but what was that about?" As she looked at him while carding her fingers through his curls.
"That my love, was a most enjoyable display for the neighbourhood 'cougars'. I hope she or they were watching."
Looking puzzled as they resumed their walk, " Care to explain?"
He went on to tell her all about his encounter with the "cougar" Caroline.
"Josh, honey, why didn't you tell me?"
"Not meaning to keep it secret, Luv. I just didn't want you to worry."
"Josh, I…"
"Babe, sometimes when you're apart from the someone you love, your imagination can go into overdrive. I want you to know that you have absolutely nothing to worry about with me. There will never be anyone but you. Please never doubt that." This time Nikki stopped walking and pulled Josh in for a kiss.
"Have there been any other hunting 'cats'?
"Well, a flirty lady at the pool, but I sent her packing pretty quick, and some woman in the grocery stopped to admire Gale and invite me for coffee. I talked to Sally and asked her if she had those problems."
"What did she say?"
"It's mostly the men that have those issues. Please, Nik, don't worry. I'm yours and only yours," wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close then placing a kiss on her head. " I love you and I will show you how much every chance I get."
"I love you and I'll be showing you later!" she said with a sultry smile that left Josh beaming.
"Can't wait."
At the end of the block, they turned around and headed for the pub.
Two days ago:
The night before Hammersley was to arrive in port, Nikki went looking for Swain and the gang, finding them playing cards in the senior's mess. "Hey, Nav," Swain greeted her and the others followed suit.
"What can we do for you or are you just looking for some company?" Buffer asked.
"Well, actually I have a favour to ask. I was wondering if you guys would mind including Josh in one or two of your shore leave plans. I feel bad, the only company he's had is Gale for the last two weeks. I'm sure he could use some male bonding time."
" You know Nav, I had been thinking about that. Super Dad probably could use a break," Charge added.
Swain said, " Navy wives have a fairly good support system among themselves, I imagine that that is not there for Josh. I don't know how many full-time navy dads there are."
" He'll never admit it," said Nikki.
" Alright! I have been organizing some footy in the park, I'll let him know," Buffer told her.
"I'm always looking for someone to play a round with," Charge said. " I'll definitely give him a call.
"Thanks, guys."
" No worries, Ma'am."
Nikki had been home for two days and had taken over most of Gales care soaking up all the time with her that she could. She was playing with her in the living room when Josh came in.
"Hey Babe, I just got a call from Charge asking if I could play a round of golf tomorrow."
"I hope you said yes."
"Do you mind? I hate leaving you alone when you just got home and you're only home for 2 weeks."
"Josh, don't be silly, of course, I don't mind. It's not like you're going away for days. You need to get out. You've been Super Dad for 2 weeks without a break. Take one. Have fun. Drink beer and enjoy some guy time."
"Well...and then there was a text from Buffer asking me if I would like to join the footy game. Nik, have you had anything to do with this?"
"I may have dropped a hint that you could use a break. Everyone was excited to see you and to get to spend some time with you. They missed you when you left the Navy."
Taking her hands and lifting her to standing, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. " Thank you, Luv. I guess I'm going to have to get some clubs today if I'm going to play tomorrow. Lost mine… well along with everything else. I was needing new clubs."
"You should see if Charge is free. He seems to be somewhat of an expert on all things golf."
"You know, that's a good idea, I'll give him a call, accept his invite and ask if he can help with the clubs." He went off to call Charge.
The following day, Sunday, Josh wanted to leave Nikki the car so Charge picked him up and they headed off to Charges favourite golf course.
While Josh was out, Nikki enjoyed some special time with Gale including a walk to the park and a quick trip to the supermarket to get something special to cook for Josh. She picked up a bottle of wine and 0.5gm garlic prawns, one of Josh's favourites. Josh had purchased an LPG BBQ grill for the backyard so she bought a special thick steak for Josh and some chicken for herself. She also planned on grilled sesame asparagus with roasted potatoes and because she doesn't bake, a frozen molten caramel pudding for dessert.
"Hey, Babe" finding Nikki on the balcony when he got home, leaning down and kissing her hello.
"How was your round?'
"I sucked, but it was great fun. Charge is a fun bloke. I'm going to shower."
"Ok, Luv, I'll start supper."
Nikki had everything ready, so she popped the potatoes in the oven, then set the outside table. Laughing to herself as she thought...( I don't know why we bothered with a kitchen table, we never eat there.)
Hearing the shower turn off she put the prawns in butter in the frypan, cooked them up, and had them on the table with a beer for when Josh came down.
" Hey, what's this now?" he said as he went out to the balcony.
"I have some of your favourites for dinner. A thick steak, roasted potatoes and grilled sesame asparagus. And of course, some garlic prawns to start."
"Nikki...:" kissing her.
"I want you to know how much I appreciate you and how lucky I am to have you."
"Thank you, Luv."
"Now, sit, eat your prawns before they get cold."
Monday afternoon they decided to go to the pool. They packed something to read, snacks and drinks in a small esky, loaded the stroller and walked the two blocks. Picking out a table and lounge chairs at the far end of the pool away from the running kids. Nikki made sure that Gale was comfortable in the shade.
"Josh, Luv, go do your laps, uninterrupted," she smiled.
Kissing her head, he dives in and starts swimming. Nikki settles in with the book she is reading.
Two women in their mid-thirties, both different shades of bottle-blond watched Nikki and Josh arrive…
"That must be his wife, pretty enough I guess," Cat 1, platinum says.
" I don't get how she can leave that gorgeous man and baby home like that." Cat 2 adds. "Just look at him!" as Josh gets out of the pool.
Going over to where Nikki is sitting, she gets up and hands him a towel. "Here ya go, handsome," giving him a quick kiss. Josh smiled and sat next to her in the other lounge chair.
"You do have to admit that they make a cute couple," comments Cat 1.
" I've tried talking to him, he's polite, but puts up a definite wall," says Cat 2.
Once Gale was asleep both of them went in the water, staying nearby so that they would be able to keep an eye on her.
" Go ahead and get a swim in, I'll stay here," Josh tells her.
" Okay," and she swims off to do a couple of laps of her own.
When she was finished she swam back to Josh. They floated holding hands and treaded water just talking. Josh went to the side of the pool and held on by hanging by his elbows. Nikki paddled close to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
"Hey, there," he says.
She leans in and kisses him softly but fully.
"Ok, wow. Do you have a reason for such PDA? Not that it's a problem." He says leaning in for another kiss.
"Well, actually, besides the fact that I love kissing you, it was a show for the Cat Ladies who can't seem to keep their eyes off of you. I'm just staking out my territory"
Josh laughed, " let's stake it out some more," leaning in for another kiss.
Gale started to make noise, " I'll get her," Nikki said. " I have to enact plan B."
"Plan B?" Can't wait to see this one! Ahhh, I'm going to swim a bit more, can't get out right now if you get my meaning."
Nikki laughed, " I get it, I'll take care of that later," she said with a quick kiss.
Picking up Gail, Nikki gave her a quick change then applied some sunscreen. Placing her hat on her she went over to sit on the stairs just about in front of the cat ladies and dangled Gales legs in the water watching her kick. Josh joined her shortly and sat on the edge of the pool next to her. It wasn't a minute before Cat 1 went over and sat next to Nikki.
Looking over Nikki at Josh, " Hi, I'm Penelope Perkins, call me Penny," reaching behind Nikki's back to shake Josh's hand. Nikki quirks an eyebrow and looks at her.
Penny looks at Nikki, " and you would be his sister?"
Holding her temper and giving her a sickening sweet smile while placing Gale on her knee, " Nikki Holiday, Mrs. Nikki Holiday."
"Oh, I didn't realize that Josh was married. He's always alone."
"Quite, Well, I'm an LT in the Navy, it takes me away every couple of weeks."
Josh was becoming impatient with the conversation, he looked at Nikki, " I need to get dinner started, are you ready Luv?"
"You bet, well, ahh… Penny, it was nice to meet you."
Josh stands and takes Gale so that Nikki can stand easier then they walk back to their things with Josh's arm around her.
Cat 1 returns to Cat 2… " Did I hear him say that he had to start dinner? My God, wherever did she find him!"
Packing up they left for home. "Well, I imagine we gave the 'Cat Ladies' a show," Nikki said.
"You obviously noticed them."
"They were sort of obvious the way they looked at me and stared at you."
"Don't worry about them, Babe. They can't even come close to holding a candle to you."
" I love you, Josh," going up on her toes and kissing him."
Buffer called Josh on Thursday and told him that the footy game was on for the next day at 1 pm in Harriman's Park.
"We're going to be playing some blokes from Kingston," Buffer told him."Did you still want to play?"
"You bet. It sounds like a good time," Josh replied. " Buff, can someone pick me up so that I can leave Nik the car?"
"No worries, Mate. I'll come get ya, Mate. Be ready for 12:30. BYOB and a snack.
And we will be cooking up some snags."
"Will do, see ya tomorrow."
Getting off the phone he went to find Nikki, " Hey, there you are," finding her rocking Gale. Kissing her on the top of her head he sits down on the sleeper couch that is in Gales room. " Buff just called, footy is on for tomorrow afternoon. He has us playing Kingston."
"That's great! It should be a good time. Kick some Kingston ass." she said chuckling.
" He'll be picking me up at 12:30. They're planning on grilling some snags so I probably won't be needing dinner."
The next morning, Nikki and Josh went for their usual run, showered together, made breakfast together and then did some chores before sitting outside watching Gale on her tummy time mat.
Buffer showed up right on time and Josh invited him in to see the place.
"Nav, this is nice. Hey, I love the fish tank."
"Josh surprised me with it when I got home."
"Josh, Mate, you're doing alright."
"We're happy."
As soon as Josh and Buffer left, Nikki got Gale ready to go out and buy Josh's anniversary gift. It was still a couple of weeks away but she would be leaving again for a two-week patrol.
Having done some research, she found a store near downtown that would have what she was looking for, Simpson's Pianos.
Parking in a nearby car park, she got Gale settled in her carrier and walked the block to Simpson's. As soon as she entered the store she was greeted by a salesman.
"G'Day,can I help you, Ma'am?"
" I'm sure that you can. I'm looking for an upright piano."
" Well you are definitely in the right place. My name is Sam," extending his hand.
"Nikki Holiday."
" And who is this beautiful little one?"
"This is Gale."
"Lovely name. Now if you follow me I'll show you what we have. What type were you thinking about?"
" An upright."
After looking at several and listening to Sam, she decided on a beautiful Steinway in mahogany.
"Let's go up to the office and right up the sale. Will you be financing?"
"No, this is a cash sale."
"Very good."
The paperwork completed, Nikki wrote him a check and set up delivery. " When would you like to take delivery?"
" August 25th. I know that is a few weeks away but it's an anniversary gift for my husband and I will be shipping out next week for two weeks. I thought that I best get this done."
"Alright then, no worries. I'll call the day before to confirm delivery then."
"Can you arrange for someone to come out and tune it.?"
"Tuning is complementary. The technician will also call to set up a time."
"Perfect!" extending her hand, " Thank you, Sam."
"Happy anniversary!"
"Okay, little one, that's done, let's see if Aunty Sally would like a visit. Nikki gave Sally a call who was thrilled for a visit. Ten minutes later, she pulled into the Blake's driveway and Sally and the kids came out to meet her.
"Nikki! Such a nice surprise!" Giving her a hug and reaching for Gale who was still in her seat. " Come on in, can I get you something to drink?"
"That would be great, thanks. A diet coke if you have it?"
"Sure, go on out back and I'll bring our drinks."
Taking Gale, Nikki went out to the Blake's patio and sat in the shade with Gale beside her. Chloe and little Chris were fascinated with her.
" Okay Kids," Sally said as she came outside. Then giving them each an ice lolly, " Now go play." Sitting in the lounge next to Nikki, she handed her a diet coke and placed a bowl of mixed flavoured shapes on the little table that was between them. Nikki had taken Gale out of her seat and propped her sitting against her thighs.
The two women chatted all afternoon.
"Well, I should be going," Nikki said after checking her watch. " I imagine that the boys will be home soon."
"Chris is generally back by five when they have these games. He usually calls when he's on his way."
"Sally, thanks for the visit."
"No worries, come by anytime I really enjoyed the company."
She stopped at the grocery to pick up something for supper. Gale had fallen asleep in the car so Nikki scooped her up and would come back down for the groceries.
Walking into the living room she found a passed out Josh on the couch. Chuckling she brought Gale upstairs to her cot and then returned to Josh. Sitting down on the coffee table she leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.
Peeling his eyes open with a moan, " Ahg, Nik, you're home" his eyes watering.
" You look like death and you smell like a brewery. Are you alright?"
"Uhgg, no, I think I might just die. There's a little monster with a sledgehammer in my head."
"What happened?"
"Buffer kept handing me beers and I kept drinking them. Didn't want the blokes to think that I had gone soft. Guess I have. Buff had to drag my ass up here. Kind of embarrassing."
"Oh, Josh. Have you taken anything?"
"No. I collapsed here and I didn't dare move."
"I'll be right back with some paracetamol."
"Thanks, Luv," he moaned.
Nikki returned with the pills, a tall glass of ice water, and a cold washcloth for his head, "here ya go, these should help and try to drink some water."
"Okay…" falling back on the couch and she placed the cool cloth across his forehead.
At six, Nikki fed Gale and gave her her bath and rocked singing to her until she was almost asleep and then laid her in her cot after which she went downstairs to check on Josh, kissing him awake. " How are you feeling? Would you like something to eat?"
"Oh God! No," he groaned. "Don't mention food."
Smiling, Nikki gave him a quick kiss, " come on Sailor, let's get you into bed."
"Okay…"
After helping him up from the couch, she followed behind him as he dragged himself up the stairs worried that he might get dizzy and fall. Once in the bedroom, he stumbled into the bathroom, used the toilet and splashed cold water on his face. Nikki had turned down the bed and was waiting for him, stopping him from falling into bed fully clothed, she helped him to undress down to his boxers then he collapsed onto the bed and Nikki pulled the blankets up. Kissing his head, " I'll be right back with some more paracetamol."
"You're an angel."
Nikki came back with some more ice water, gave Josh the pills and got him settled. " I'll be up in a little while. Sleep it off, Luv," kissing him again.
Returning downstairs, she fixed a light supper of soup and toasted sandwich and turned on the TV. Around ten she went upstairs, got into her nightclothes, slipped into bed and snuggled next to Josh.
Morning arrived, bright and sunny. Nikki got up, Josh was still sleeping soundly, and looked after Gale. She decided to wait on her breakfast in case Josh was ready to eat something. So she made a coffee, got a muffin, and went out to the balcony. Gale was on her tummy mat while Nikki sat back and sipped her coffee.
Her phone rang, " Nikki,"
"Hey Nikki, it's Buffer."
"Well, hi. How are you doing today?" she said a little cheekily.
"I called to apologize. I think I may have killed ET."
Nikki laughed, " yeah, pretty close. He's not up yet. Shall I have him call you?"
"Yeah, do that, thanks."
"See ya soon, Buff."
Just then, Josh wandered out with a coffee and eased himself into the other lounge chair with an " uhgg."
"Feeling any better? Would you like some breakfast? Eggs maybe?"
" Not feeling great, but not near as bad. Scrambled would be great, thanks. Could you bring me Poppet, It hurts when I bend over."
Smiling, " Of course." She scooped up Gale and brought her to Josh, gave him a good morning kiss and went to make breakfast.
.
