Chapter 9

Trip and Jon laid naked in the double hammock, snuggled in each other's arms as they basked in the setting sun, enjoying the peace and quiet of the private bungalow on the exclusive island, famed for its discretion and privacy.

Trip sipped at his frozen virgin margarita, smiling. "This was a great idea, I'm so happy that Admiral Gardner went along with it. I'm going to have to send him a thank you card."

Jon nodded as he "stole" a sip of Trip's frosty beverage. "So am I. I'm just glad that there was at least one ship in orbit equipped with a transporter to beam us out of that hotel room, then beam us down directly to the bungalow. It won't be until sometime tomorrow that those reporters figure out we vanished. And the Admiral booking the place in his name… I got a feeling I'm going to owe him a very big favor someday."

Trip chuckled. "Yeah, isn't it like that in the captain and admiral circle? Favors, string pulling, back scratching and under table deals. Remind me to never accept a promotion to Cap'n."

Jon smiled. "It's really not that bad, when you know how to play the game. The only thing you really have to worry about is that one, and there's always one, who wants to put a knife in your back while smiling to your face."

Trip shifted to his side, propping himself on an elbow while rubbing Jon's chest and stomach. "Yeah? Who wants to put a knife in your back?"

Jon shrugged. "Haven't figured it out yet, but I know there's someone. When I figure it out, you'll be the first to know." He grasped Trip's hand, pushing it lower than his stomach. "No more Starfleet talk for the rest of our honeymoon. That's an order, Commander."

Trip grinned as he favored his husband with his silent, and not so subtle, request for attention. "Aye, aye Cap'n." He quietly replied as he leaned in for a kiss.

As they laid together in the large bed, completely satisfied, Trip chuckled. "I didn't know you knew that many dirty words. You have absolutely no shame, do you."

Jon smiled. "Well, you said you wanted the devil to blush. Think I was successful?"

"Definitely. I'm sure the devil is not only blushing, but died of embarrassment!" Trip laughed out.

Jon wrapped his arms around Trip then looked off in thought. "What are you thinking about?" Trip questioned.

Jon chuckled. "You know what's weird. All the years we've known each other, I still don't know your middle name. It's not even in your files."

Trip pulled back and gave Jon an odd look. "I thought you knew. I don't have a middle name. None of us Charles' have a middle name, Pat and Liz don't have middle names either."

Jon looked stunned. "What? Your family have some sort of aversion to middle names or something?"

Trip shook his head. "I don't know. Never really gave it much thought, to be honest."

"Well, I suppose naming our son Charles Henry, or Henry Charles is out. I'm assuming you want to continue the tradition and have a Charles IV?"

Trip nodded. "Yeah, that was kind of the plan."

Jon smiled. "I guess 2 boys then. Charles and Henry."

Trip gave a wide smile at that. "Ok, as long as we have at least 1 little girl. Every daddy needs a little princess."

Jon groaned while rolling his eyes. "You're going to spoil our kids rotten, aren't you."

"Of course I am. That's what I do." Trip smirked.

Jon barked out a loud laugh. "Trip, you're going to be a great daddy someday."

Trip leaned in and gave Jon a kiss. "So are you, sweetheart, after our starship days are done."

Jon smiled. "So at least 3 children then, and we live in San Francisco?"

"Of course we'll get a house in Frisco. You'll need to be close to HQ if you expect to be an Admiral."

Jon gave a thoughtful look. "Admiral Archer. I like the sound of that. So, if you don't plan on becoming a captain, what will you do then?"

Trip shrugged. "I guess for the first few years, when the kids are young, I'll be the stay at home dad. Later, maybe take an instructor position at the academy or get a job in the private sector."

Jon shook his head while chuckling. "When did you have your entire life planned out like this?"

Trip grinned. "When I was 10."

Jon hugged Trip close to him. "Figures. So, how much of hell have you planned on killing off with more dirty words before our honeymoon is over?"

Trip gave a wicked smile as he rolled on top of Jon. "All of it!"

End

A/N: Thank you to all who have been enjoying this adventure. Please feel free to drop a comment to let me know what you think.

Part 3 of this series is in the works, so please don't forget to favor and follow so you will be notified of when the continuation is being posted.

Until next time, Peace and Love be with you all.