Nikki was up early, too excited to sleep. Josh is coming home. She had gotten his clothes and things from his shared Navy house on Monday and had everything sorted out and waiting for him. She placed the pictures he had of the two of them and those of his family, on the dresser that would be his. His bathroom things were put away and ready for him.

She made her way downstairs and into the kitchen, after making a brew, she went out onto the balcony to join Diane.

"G'day, Diane," smiling.

"Nikki, Good Morning! Big day!"

"I keep thinking about where we were just a week ago. "

"It's a blessing to be sure. Would you mind if I stay a few more days?"

"Of course not. You are always welcome. Stay as long as you like."

"Thank you. I thought that I would stay through the weekend, return to Melbourne on Sunday. When are you leaving for the hospital?"

"I want to be there for 9:00. Are you coming with?"

"No, I'll wait here. You go and get our boy."

Nikki walked into the hospital right at 9:00 and made her way to Josh's room. The two constables where diligently stationed outside his door.

"G'day" she greeted the security team.

"G'day, Ma'am. He's going home today I take it," one of them said.

"He is. I'm told that you will be following."

"Yes, Ma'am, for now. We'll be posted outside the house and wherever he happens to go at least until this business gets sorted out."

Nikki shakes her head, " I still can't wrap my head around all of this."

"It's a bizarre case, Ma'am, but we can't take any chances until it gets sorted out."

"Well, thank you. We certainly do appreciate your being here."

"It's what we're here for."

Josh was standing at the window looking out at the Navy pier and the sea beyond when Nikki walked in. She smiled, he looked good dressed in his board shorts and a favourite flowered shirt. He turned from the window when he heard her. Meeting her halfway, he gathered her into his arms.

"I can't wait to get home," he said as he nuzzled her neck, sending shivers right through her.

"I can't wait to get you home," she answered with a soft kiss. "Are we good to go?"

"Yup, Dr Swanson was in early, and we signed the discharge forms. I have an appointment with her in a week. She also made a counsellor appointment for me. That's in five days. We just need to let Janice know that we are going and then we can get out of here."

Pushing the call button, he waited for the nursing desk to answer.

"Yes, Josh, may I help you?"

"Lori, would you tell Janice that Nikki is here and I'm ready to go?"

"Of course. Josh, make sure to stop by the desk and say goodbye on your way out."

" Will do."

Five minutes later, Janice breezed in. " Big Day!" she said, giving him a hug. "I'm so happy for both of you. Josh, you've done exceptionally well, and it's been a pleasure taking care of you. And Nikki, I am happy to have met you. I've never seen anyone as supportive and caring. I'm sure that your loving care made a big difference in how things turned out."

"Thanks, but you were great. Teaching me how to care for him and letting me help. And thank you for taking good care of me too."

"So, you're all set then. I wish you both the best."

Josh's things were packed into a small carry bag. Nikki took up the bag, and they walked out of the hospital into the sunshine with Josh taking a deep breath of the fresh-smelling air.

Getting into her car, she started the engine. " Nik, would you mind if we take a little detour? I want to sit on the beach for a bit."

"Sure, sounds good. Give your Mum a call though she's waiting for us."

Ten minutes later, they were sitting on a blanket under the palms at Trinity Beach with their security detail standing at a discreet distance from them.

Josh was sitting with his arms wrapped around his knees as he watched the waves rolling onto the beach. It was a perfect day, cloudless blue sky, warm but not hot with a pleasant onshore breeze, and the smell of the ocean, a sailor's day. He had been sitting like that, quiet for several minutes when Nikki noticed tears rolling down his cheeks. Reaching for his hand... "Josh?"

"All those people... good people... John, Pete, Mai, Marco, Jenny, Dave... all gone. And for what? Why?" Taking a deep breath, he dropped his head to his knees and sobbed. Nikki moved in close and wrapped him in her arms.

"Let's hope the Feds can sort it out."

"Won't bring them back. How did I make it? How did I make it when they all died?"

"Josh, I don't know, but you did, and I am so grateful that you did. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you."

They continued to sit quietly. Thirty minutes later, Josh looked at Nikki, " I'm ready."

Diane heard Nikki's car pull up and rushed to the door to greet them.

"Josh!" she said, grabbing her son into a hug. "You look wonderful!"

"Thanks, Mum."

"Josh, can I get you anything?" his mum asked.

"Yeah, a beer, but Dr Swanson said no alcohol for at least another week, so... I guess it'll be a coke. Do we have any Nikki?"

"I made sure that we did," she said, smiling.

Later, after a dinner of Josh's favourite dishes, the three of them sat on the balcony enjoying the night air and just being together. Josh was getting tired, sent Nikki a look with a little grin, and then announced that he was heading to bed.

"I'll be up in a bit, Luv," Nikki said to him.

Diane smiled, "Nikki, go. You don't need to keep me company."

Fifteen minutes later, Nikki slipped into bed next to Josh, wearing one of his favourite nightshirts. Rolling over to face her, he pulled her in close and kissed her whispering huskily, " too many clothes."

"Josh, are you sure? I'm not sure that we should rush things."

"Oh, Babe, I'm sure, and I'm fine," kissing her again and pulling her closer, she could feel just how 'fine' he was.

Over the next few days, they settled into being home and together again. Diane stayed through the weekend, returning to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

Monday morning, Nikki drove Josh to his first counselling appointment.

"Come in with me?" Josh asked her.

"If you want me too."

"I do."

"Alright Luv, sure."

"Josh, come in, get comfortable." Adele Palazzo greeted them.

"Dr Palazzo, this is my fianceĠ›, Nikki Caetano. I asked her to be here with me today."

"Nikki pleased to meet you."

Josh and Nikki took a seat on the couch across from Adele's chair.

"So, Josh, how has it been being at home."

"It's great."

"Nikki? How are you?"

"So very relieved. Sometimes I just look at him, and I'm so grateful that he's okay. I can't believe that just over a week ago he was in a coma and not knowing if he would be waking up."

"Josh, any issues? Any sleep problems?"

Josh was quiet for a moment.

"Josh?" Adele asks.

"I've had some dreams... I dream that I can't breathe, that I'm calling out but can't be heard, no sounds will come out. I don't remember what happened. I don't remember anything. I don't know how I survived when they all died," Josh wiped his eyes. Nikki reached for his hand and held on to it.

"Josh, we'll never know why these things happen. I am a believer in

'it wasn't your time'."

"It was time for nine people?" Josh says with anger.

"I know, it makes no sense, Josh, but you need to focus on your life now. You are experiencing survivors guilt. This is to be expected, quite understandable and normal."

They continue to talk until his hour was up and he made an appointment for the following week.

Once they arrived at the car, Nikki stopped, reached for him, and pulled him in for a hug and a quick kiss.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I will be."

"I love you so much. Please talk to me if you need to."

Kissing her, " I love you, thank you. I will, promise." They got into the car and headed for home.

That evening:

"Nikki, that was really delicious. "

" Thanks, Luv. Desert?"

"Let's sort out the kitchen and take a walk first."

The night air was cool and pleasant with the full moon rising over the water as they walked hand in hand, their ever-present protection detail not far behind.

"Have you thought about returning to duty?" Josh asked her.

"Yeah, I just don't want to leave you."

"I'm fine, Nik, really I am."

"I know, it's just... God, Josh, it was so awful seeing you lying there, not knowing if I would ever be held by you again, if I would hear your voice again."

"We need to move on, Nik. It'll be okay."

"You're right, I know. Alright, I'll call Commander Marshall in the morning."

Josh stops walking and pulls her into a hug, and then by just looking into her eyes while caressing her cheeks, he tells her again how much he loves her.

"I can't wait to be married, Nik. Let's get married soon."

Smiling and then kissing him, " Let's."

The next day Nikki called NAVCOM and made an appointment with Commander Marshall for Wednesday morning.

Wednesday 7:00 a.m.

Dressed in her whites, Nikki went down to breakfast.

"Good Morning, Luv," she greeted Josh as she walked into the kitchen.

"God, I love seeing you in your whites, my beautiful, sexy, Lieutenant."

"Flattery will get you everything," she says, smiling.

"Breakfast?"

"Just a muffin and a brew, thanks."

Taking their breakfast out to the balcony, they sat at the table.

"I should be back in time to take you to your appointment with Dr Swanson."

"No worries, Luv. I'll get an Uber if your not back. Hopefully, she'll clear me to drive today."

"I hope so too. I would hate to see you stuck here while I'm at work. After all, who would do the groceries." she said with a mischievous smile.

It was precisely 8:30 when Nikki knocked on Commander Marshall's door.

"Come."

Entering the office, she salutes.

"Lieutenant, come in, have a seat."

" Thank you, Sir."

"Josh is doing well?"

"He is, Sir. It's nothing short of a miracle, been a tough couple of weeks."

"I'm sure. So, you're ready to return to duty."

"Yes, Sir. Josh should be cleared to drive today, and he is getting stronger every day."

"That's good to hear. How is he doing emotionally? That was a fairly stressful event."

"He has some survivors guilt that he is working through with a counsellor. He's had some dreams too."

Steve Marshall nodded. " So, are you ready to return to Hammersley?"

"Sir, I was wondering if it would be possible for a couple of weeks of shore duty, just to be sure that Josh good."

"Alright, I think that we can work with that. I can give 'Sparky' notice that you are returning. He's been on loan from Newcastle, so he will be going back there when you return. So, two weeks here then back to sea duty."

"That would be great, Sir. Thank you."

"No worries. Tomorrow then, 0700 report to LT Smith."

"Yes, Sir."

"Is there anything else?"

"No, Sir."

"Very good. We'll see you tomorrow."

Nikki stood and saluted. " Thank you, Sir."

She left NAVCOM and returned home to find Josh reading on the balcony while waiting for her.

" Hey, Babe. That's a pretty hefty book. What are you reading?"

"Steven King, The Stand. I love this book. I've read it a couple of times."

"I haven't read it."

"You should give it a go; I think you'll like it. Take it with you when you go back out on Hammersley."

"I just might."

" So, how did things go at NAVCOM?"

"Commander Marshall gave me two weeks of shore duty before returning to Hammersley. You're sure that you'll be okay?"

"Nikki, Luv, I'll be fine, not to worry. I'm going to start running again, easy at first, and I'm going to start laps in the pool. The physical therapist said that it would help a lot to get my strength back."

"I'm going to change, and then we can grab some lunch before your appointment with Dr Swanson."

" Sounds good."

Medical Office Building:

"Josh, you're doing great, a star patient. I'm clearing you for all activity. Mind, if you have any untoward symptoms, you'll call straight away. I'm certainly not expecting anything at this point but to be on the safe side; however, I'm keeping you off duty for another two weeks. I'll see you one more time then and I'm sure to be signing your release to return to duty as long as Adele concurs.

"Nikki, how are you doing?"

"I'm happy... so very happy. I'm returning to duty tomorrow. Shore posting for two weeks then back to sea."

"That's wonderful. And you are comfortable with this?"

"I am, Josh pointed out that it is time for us to move on and he's right."

"Well, it's been a pleasure caring for you both. Take care and Josh, I'll see you in two weeks."

As they approached their car, Josh held out his hand for the keys. Nikki laughed as she tossed them over.

That night while laying in bed, Josh was tracing circles on Nikki's shoulder as she was draped comfortably across his chest.

"I knew that you were there you know... when I was in the coma or whatever. I could feel you close, I could hear you talking to me."

"Oh, Babe. Dr Swanson said that you might. It helped me, too, helped me to feel connected to you."

"It brought me a lot of comfort, feeling you there. I couldn't get to you, and that was frustrating, but I knew you were there."

"I love you so much, Josh. You are my life. I couldn't possibly be anyplace else."

It's now been five weeks since the dive boat incident, and the Feds are no closer to apprehending the mongrels responsible. It's deemed that Josh is not in danger of retaliation, so the security detail was pulled.

Josh was in Dr Swanson's office for what should be his final visit.

"Josh, you look well. I can see that you've put some of your lost weight back on. That's good. Nikki's cooking?"

He laughed, " Some, but with her being back to work and my being at home, she's been enduring mine."

"And how have you been feeling? Are you still seeing Adele?"

"I feel good, back to running every day and doing laps in the pool. I'm going to continue with Adele for a little longer although she feels that I am fit for duty."

"You've been through quite an ordeal."

"Adele, she's great. Talking to her has really helped. The dreams, nightmares really, are gone. Nikki went with me a couple of times too. Adele helped her with the anxiety that she's been feeling."

"Josh, you have done remarkably well, and there are no residual effects that I can see. I too, am releasing you for active duty. Congratulations.

Now if I may get personal for a moment... Have you two set a date for the wedding?"

Chuckling, " Not specifically, but we both decided that we don't want to wait; so soon."

Josh left the medical complex, grabbed a light lunch and returned home. He had just gotten in when he got a text from Nikki.

*Hey, Babe. How was the Doc's?*

*All good. I've been cleared for active duty. I was just getting ready to call NAVCOM."

*You're contract is just about up, what do you think you'll do?*

"Not sure. I don't think that I want to go back out to sea. The last six months were just too much.*

*I know. Whatever you decide, I'm with you.*

*I know, and I love you for it.*

Nikki sat at her desk and thought about her text conversation with Josh, and it got her thinking. It came to her that she might have an idea for Josh that he might like and decided to talk to Mike about it. As luck would have it, she spotted Mike as he was getting ready to leave NAVCOM and she hustled to catch up to him.

"Sir, could I have a word?" she asked him.

"Sure Nikki, Okay, what's up? How's Josh?"

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Josh's contract is just about up, and in fact, he'll probably only have a few weeks left when he returns to duty."

"That's true, as his CO, I am aware. I was going to talk to him about his plans."

"He is going to resign, you know, because of us and because of the horrible last 6 months that he had. He told me that he was done going to sea. But, now, with the dive boat incident, he doesn't have anything to do. That was to be his job after the Navy."

"So, how can I help? What do you have in mind?"

"Well, Sir, what if he were to be offered a shore posting? It would solve our problem, and he wouldn't have to return to sea duty which he is reluctant to do. He could stay in the Navy."

"He is a talented technician, and it would be a loss to the Navy if he left. That may be an excellent idea. Do you think he would go for it?"

"I think that he might, Sir."

"Alright, I'll give him a call and then I'll talk with Commander Marshall. Don't worry; I won't bring up our conversation. I'll take credit for the idea if you want."

"That would be great. Thank you, Sir."

"No worries, Nikki. Give Kate a call; I think she wants to get together for lunch."

"Sounds good, I will."

She returned to her desk feeling good about what she had done for Josh. ( If he doesn't want too, that will be okay, but at least it's an option that I don't think that he's considered.)

Before Josh had the chance to call NAVCOM, he got a call from Mike.

"Josh Holiday," he answered, having seen NAVCOM on the caller ID.

"Josh, Mike Flynn."

"Captain, is everything okay?" worried that he would be calling about Nikki, why else would he be calling?

"Everything's fine. As I'm still your Commanding Officer, I wanted to talk to you about your contract. Are you still wanting to leave the Navy?"

"Yeah, I think so, Sir. I believe that I do. These past six months made me feel like I'm on borrowed time."

"It was an usually difficult rotation, especially for you. You seemed to be caught in the thick of it.

Thinking forward, I would love to have you back. You are a real asset to the ship."

"I appreciate that Sir, but Nikki and I are engaged, as you know. I wouldn't be able to come back to Hammersley, or she would have to transfer. She loves Hammersley and working with you, Sir."

"Well it's true that you can't be on the same ship, but I'm sure that there is a spot for you on another ship. Think about it. Once you're cleared, make an appointment to see Commander Marshall to discuss your contract."

"I've actually been cleared as of today. I was getting ready to call in when you called."

"That's great. Think about it."

"I will, but my mind is pretty much made up, Sir."

Mike called Steve Marshall as soon as he disconnected with Josh to discuss the conversations he had with both Nikki and Josh.

After speaking with Mike, Josh decided that he had some thinking to do. He changed into his swimmers and set off for the pool to swim and think before calling NAVCOM.

After his swim, he returned to the townhouse, grabbed a coke, and called NAVCOM to make an appointment to see Commander Marshall.

Later, when Nikki arrived home, he was in their bedroom, changing his shirt when she walked in.

"Hey Luv," he greeted. "Good day?" Having not yet donned his clean his shirt. Nikki was enjoying the view. Going to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed him hello and caressed his bare back.

"It was fine. I am sort of looking forward to getting back to sea, but I love coming home to you every night. I'm getting spoiled."

"Would you consider a permanent shore posting?" he asked, shrugging into his shirt.

"I don't think so, not yet anyway."

"Dr Swanson cleared you today?"

"Yup, I meet with Commander Marshall in the morning. How about we hit Costello's on the waterfront for diner."

"Now, that sounds good. I'll change, and we can get going."

Later over dinner:

"Your leave is going to be up soon, and so is your contract. Any thoughts on what you might want to do?" ( Now with the dive company, not an option she thinks.)

"I haven't really. I'm not ready to take on with another dive boat. Guess I'll have to look for a regular ole job. Maybe I can bag groceries," he says smirking.

Nikki reached across the table and took his hand. "You'd have all the female costumers doing extra shopping. But really, there's no hurry, Babe. We're doing okay for now. I want you to be happy. That's most important."

"That's well and good, but what about when I'm not getting that Navy income anymore."

"They'll be your pension, and besides, I was living on my own without extra help. We'll be okay."

"Hummm..." ( she's sweet but I won't be a slug ) he thinks but doesn't say.

At 10:00 the following morning, Josh, wearing his whites, arrived at NAVCOM for his appointment with Commander Marshall. The Commander spotted him as he walked into the command centre and went over to meet him.

"Leader Holiday!" he greeted.

"Sir," Josh saluted.

"Come on into my office. It's good to see that you are well, that was some nasty business."

"Thank you, Sir, I feel good."

"I'll get right to business. I see that you are ready to return to active duty."

"Yes, Sir. I was cleared yesterday."

"Good. I wanted to talk to you about your contract."

"All due respect, Sir. I've made my mind up. I'm leaving the Navy."

" Lieutenant Caetano is part of your decision not to stay?"

"Yes, Sir. Not only part, but a big part. We're engaged. I had asked her the day before the incident."

"Anything else in your decision?"

"Yes, Sir. During the last rotation, I was almost blown to bits by an underwater bomb, shot in the chest only saved by the vest I was wearing, almost drowned by a sociopath, almost lost my leg, and then held hostage by another sociopath. I think that I've used up all of my chips, Sir."

"Yes, LT Commander Flynn told me. Does appear that you have kissed the Blarney Stone. Leader, would you consider a shore posting? I could use you on the technical maintenance crew. You would be working with the entire Cairns Fleet, not just the Hammersley.

Also, LT Commander Flynn has recommended you for promotion to Petty Officer. I agree. You have more than earned it. Your performance reports have been excellent, and I've heard good things regarding your leadership of the younger sailors and those times you have been put in charge. Even if you don't stay, I will be forwarding the recommendation for promotion. You'll get the higher rate for your pension."

"Thank you, Sir. I wasn't expecting that. I'm kind of speechless."

"What of the shore posting?"

"To be honest, I hadn't thought of that, Sir."

"Would you be interested?"

"Can I give it some thought? "

"Why don't you discuss it with the Lieutenant. I'll need an answer by the end of the week."

Josh left NAVCOM, feeling a bit stunned. He wasn't expecting any of that. He expected to sign his discharge and be done. (A shore posting...a promotion to Petty Officer... I'm going to need to find a job if I don't stay with the Navy. A shore posting would solve that problem. I would have a break from being at sea, and I will still see Nikki just as much.) He went to his go-to place to think, the beach.

Josh drove to Palm Cove and found a quiet spot in the shade to watch the waves. (Shore posting, maintenance crew, Petty Officer. Holy Shit! Could be challenging and fun working on the different boats. No FFV, no smugglers, or drug runners. No one shooting at me or trying to blow me up. Could be good. Gotta talk to Nikki.) Taking out his phone, he sent off a message.

*Hey, Luv, something's come up that I need to talk to you about. Can we meet up for coffee?*

Nikki got his message and immediately knew what was up. Josh had spoken to Commander Marshall.

Then minutes later, his phone chirped with her return message.

*Sure Babe, 1330? Everything okay?"

*All good, see you then, I'll meet you out front. Love you."

*Love you more...*

*Not possible, xoxo*

Josh was already waiting when Nikki came out and down the steps.

"Hey, beautiful," wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Where to?"

"Cuppa Joe's. That okay? It's close."

"Perfect. So, what's up?"

"Jeez, can't I just miss you and want a little Nikki time in the middle of the day? I saw Commander Marshall earlier, and we talked about my contract."

"And?"

"Let's get a brew first."

They arrived at the cafe and Josh ordered 2 brews and a scone to share then they took a table outside.

"Okay, now spill it," Nikki said.

" Saw Commander Marshall...and...he told me that I'm being promoted."

"Oh my God! Josh! Really?" Nikki had no idea about the promotion it was as much of a surprise to her as it was to Josh. "That's wonderful. Are you excited?"

"Yeah, I guess I am. Hey, I don't have to wear funny short pants anymore." Nikki laughed. "He also offered me a shore posting if I sign back on with the Navy. I would be assigned to the maintenance crew here in Cairns."

"Wow, Josh, that's a lot of news. Sounds pretty good. What do you think?"

"I think that I want to do it. I don't have a job to go to, and I do love working on the boats, just not getting shot at. It could be a challenge getting to work on the different ships and I'll still be in the Navy without FFVs and the rest of it. And, being on shore, we won't have to worry about different shore leave schedules. What do you think? Want to marry a Petty Officer?"

"Josh, I would marry you if you were a dog catcher, but this all sounds just about perfect."

"I thought so too, but I wanted to talk to you first."

" I appreciate that Luv, but the decision is all yours. I want you to be happy."

"I'll call the Commander tomorrow, I'm in."

Friday morning, Josh drove Nikki to the quay for her return to Hammersley. He walked with her to the gangway and was kissing her goodbye when Swain, Buffer, and Charge arrived.

"Hey, Mate!" Charge said, clapping him on the back. "It's great to see ya. Will you be coming back on board?"

"Nope, I start a posting with the Maintenance Crew on Monday. Gonna be on shore for at least this contract period."

"A shame, we're gonna miss you on the boat, Mate."

"You're looking good, Mate," Swain says to him. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm feeling good. Back to running, and I've been doing laps in the pool. I'm just about 100 %."

"It's good to see ya, Mate," Buffer said. " Ahhh, have you heard from your sister?"

Josh laughed, "Gale? I heard that you two met over my comatose body."

Buffer shrugged, " I think we hit it off pretty good. "

"Yeah, we've talked, and she did ask if I had seen you. Do you have her number or email?"

"Yeah, but I didn't want her to think that I was stalking her."

"She won't think that," chuckling. " Give her a shout; I think that she would like that."

"Okay, just might do that."

The three sailors said goodbye and moved onto the ship leaving Nikki and Josh alone once more.

"I'm going to miss you," Josh told her, holding her close.

"Not as much as I'm going to miss you," Nikki returned.

" Not possible" was Josh's reply as he kissed her once more. With starting in the 'Shed' on Monday, I'll be kept busy, at least during the day. Did you remember to pack the book?"

"I did. I'll start it today."

Then after a last kiss, Josh watched as she went up the gangway and onto the ship.

One week later, Hammersley returned for a two- week scheduled maintenance of her engines. Dressed in DPNUs and new shoulder boards, Josh was waiting on the quay as she slipped into her berth. He stood watching the close-up crew and then waited as the crew began to disembark.

There! Dressed in her whites, and looking fabulous, Nikki started down the gangway. His face split into a wide grin which matched hers. She stepped off the gangway and straight into Josh's arms with the exiting crew calling out catcalls and wolf whistles as they filed by.

Reluctantly breaking the kiss, " Welcome home, Babe."

"Josh, you look so good. I like the shoulder boards," she said with a wink. "Do you have to go back to the 'shed'?"

"Nope, off duty until morning," he said, giving her a seductive smile.