Author's Note: Hello! I know I know it's been over a month since I posted on this story. Eek. Sorry about that. I just couldn't capture it. I tried a couple times and it just…well I struggled. But! Here is chapter thirty-five. And it's the second to last chapter…yep just one more and this one will be done. But that doesn't mean the story is done lol. Because as I was trying to recapture this one…. I kind of wrote it from another point of view….so be on the lookout for Breaking Through: Slattery's Point of View! I'll be posting it soon. Anyway, hope you have enjoyed this saga, as I wrap it up in the next chapter. As always, happy reading, dark rolling sea.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Three days later Rachel stood in the captain's stateroom on the Nathan James. It belonged to Mike now, but it was the room it all started in, and she felt it fitting. She sucked in a deep breath as Kara and Kelly helped her with the finishing touches before it was time for the ceremony to start. Kelly stood before her with a big smile and Rachel couldn't help but return it.
"You like amazing," Kelly said as she straightened Rachel's veil.
"Thank you," Rachel said with a small laugh. "I'm so nervous," she whispered. Kara came from the bathroom straightening her top over the skirt of her white dress uniform.
"A little advice?" Kara said as she smiled at Rachel.
"Anything," Rachel breathed out. Kara smiled warmly.
"When you get out there? Just focus on Admiral Chandler. Forget the people on the deck, forget everything, just focus on him and walk to him. It'll all melt away. At least for me it did."
"Thanks," Rachel said with a nod. Kara smiled broader and nodded. There was a knock at the door and Kelly stepped back to open it. Ashley stood there in her dress with a smile on her face.
"You're so pretty, Rachel," Ashley said in a rush.
"Thank you, Ashley, so are you! That dress looks beautiful on you."
"Awe, thanks," Ashley said with a smile, she sashayed into the room a little more. "They sent me down to tell you it's time to start."
"Oh my," Rachel breathed out, her nerves fraying a little more. "Let's do this then."
The four of them walked to the deck and prepared for the ceremony. Kelly left first to walk down the aisle with Mike, then Ashley went next, walking with Jed, and lastly Kara walked with Garnett. It was finally Rachel's turn. Tom and she had decided that no one with walk Rachel down the aisle. Rachel felt it would be awkward for her as she didn't have any family to 'give her away' so to speak. Tom had said it was up to her and whatever made her comfortable.
So, Rachel started towards the alter, her eyes scanning the crew in their dress uniforms. It really was a site to see but she felt her stomach roll with nerves, so she took Kara's advice, and sought Tom's eyes. She locked in on him as she slowly walked towards him and the look on his face took her breath away. The love shining brightly for her was astounding. She finally made it to the front and stepped up in front of him.
"You're breath taking," he whispered. Rachel smiled at him, trying not to cry.
"You look pretty good yourself, Sailor," she whispered back. Tom smiled at her as he took her hand.
Rachel was only half listening as Russ preformed the ceremony, as her attention was locked on Tom and his blazing blue eyes. As they said 'I do' to each other Rachel felt a love so deep inside she didn't know she could love that deeply. When Russ announced they were husband and wife, Tom was on her before he even finished saying 'you may kiss the bride'.
His lips crashed into hers and he kissed her so passionately that she forgot there was an audience until she heard the jeers. They pulled apart and Rachel felt the blush rush her face, knowing her ears were probably red. She glanced over Tom's shoulder and Slattery gave her a wink and a smile, before his gaze shifted. Rachel figured he was looking at Garnett. Tom held his arm out and she wrapped her around it as they walked down the aisle as a married couple.
Two hours later they were in a small hall that Mike and Andrea had secured for the night. Dinner was finishing up and the DJ was starting to crank up the music. Tom sat back in his chair and Rachel glanced at him, meeting his intense eyes staring at her.
"What?"
"Just wondering what I did right to be able to call you my wife," Tom whispered as he took her hand and kissed it. Rachel smiled.
"You trusted me," she said back with a small smile. Tom tipped his head to the side, his eyes full of question at her response.
"I had to," Tom replied.
"No, Tom, you chose too. And because you trusted me? I trusted myself. And here we are."
"I'm not so special," Tom said, his face falling slightly. Rachel smiled and shook her head.
"But you are, Tom, and you have no idea how special you are, I think that's what makes me love you so much."
Before Tom could answer Mike had stood up, calling for everyone's attention. Tom sighed and looked at Rachel, she gave him a curious look and Tom made a face. She laughed.
"What was that for?"
"Mike's going to give a speech and probably tell some embarrassing story about me," Tom whispered as he turned slightly. He wrapped an arm around her and looked up at Mike standing next to him.
"As the best man I'm obligated to give a speech," Mike said dramatically.
"Well, we talked about it, and I told you not to," Tom boomed. The crew laughed, and Mike glared at Tom.
"You said I sucked at speeches and shouldn't do it. You never said I couldn't do it," Mike protested, earning more laughs. Rachel couldn't help but join in. She loved the antics between these two. Admittedly her relationship with Mike Slattery had started off rocky, they had become friends over the fact that Rachel was now marrying Mike's best friend. They let the laughter die down.
"If you have to," Tom quipped and leaned over and kissed Rachel's temple, before looking back at Mike. Rachel stared at him listening.
"Always needs the spotlight, that one," Mike continued shaking his head. Then he lifted his glass up in front of him. "I know I'm supposed to do that whole funny or embarrassing story or whatever, but Tom's right…don't tell him I said that," Mike said. After the laughs died down and Rachel nudged Tom in the ribs playfully, Mike continued. "Seriously though. I've known Tom Chandler for twenty years or more. I've done this twice with him, and both times it was meant to be. Tom I'm glad you got your head out of your ass and figured this out. Rachel I'm glad you gave him time to get his head out of his ass to figure this out." More laughter and a head shake from Tom. Rachel was quite amused at this point. "Here's to you two, hold each other up, keep each other safe, and love each other fully."
The hall erupted into a chorus of "here, here!" as the crew agreed with Mike Slattery. Rachel gazed at Tom and took in his lopsided grin and reached down and gently squeezed just above his knee. He broke his gaze from Slattery and looked at her, before leaning in and kissing her lovingly on the lips. Mike sat down and Rachel watched as Tom leaned over and they shook hands before Tom whispered something in Mike's ear, causing the other man to laugh heartily.
Rachel looked over as Kelly touched her shoulder standing up. "Well, who can follow a stellar speech like that?" Kelly was saying. More laughter erupted and Mike winked at her. "As the maid of honor, I suppose I'm supposed to give one of those too. Rachel, we've known each other a long time…not as long as those two," she said indicating Mike and Tom, "but long enough. I wish you both long lasting happiness in this crazy world we now live in," Kelly said lifting her glass. She sat down and Rachel leaned over and hugged her.
The DJ then spoke up calling Tom and her to the dance floor for the first dance. Tom stood and held his hand to her. She took it and stood up, following him to the dance floor. Once the song started playing, they swayed together staring into each other's eyes. Rachel was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the emotions of the day and fighting back the tears. Tom pulled her in closer.
"Was today everything you dreamed it would be?" he asked quietly. She nodded slowly against his chest.
"Yes, I'm so happy," she said. Tom smiled at her.
"I'm glad Dr. Chandler," he said with a grin. She grinned back. Hearing that out loud made her insides swim. She hadn't expected that to affect her as it did. "I think you liked that."
"I did," she whispered. As their dance came to an end, Tom pulled her into him and hugged her tight. They were walking back towards the table as other couples started taking to the dance floor. Before they made it back Sam and Ashley had grabbed ahold of Tom and dragged him back towards the dance floor. Rachel was almost to the table to sit down when someone touched her elbow. When she turned her face lit up.
"Tex! I didn't know you were here," Rachel said as she reached for him and pulled him into a hug. He hugged her back then took a step back. He put a hand on a young lady's shoulder.
"Yes, Commadore invited me. I wouldn't miss it. I know we've had a rocky history but just know I am happy for you, Doc. And I'd like you to meet my daughter Kathleen," Tex said.
"Hi," Kathleen said with a small wave.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Kathleen," Rachel said as she reached her hand out. Kathleen shook it briefly.
"Call me Kat," she replied, and Rachel nodded. Kat then nudged her father and nodded.
"Can I have a dance, Doc?" Tex asked a little timidly. Rachel smiled as Tex's customary bravado seemed to be missing. She nodded lightly and held her hand out.
"Certainly," Rachel said as she let him lead her to the dance floor. As they came together and started to move with the music Rachel glanced over and caught Tom staring at them. The look on his face made her chuckle, and when Tom noticed he looked away. Tex was looking at her.
"Somethin' funny?"
"Tom," she replied with a smile. Tex nodded.
"I really am happy for you two," Tex said softly with a smile. Rachel nodded. "And even if I wish it was me today? I'm glad you found someone."
"Thank you, Tex," Rachel replied.
"And when you get tired of pretty boy over there?" Tex continued with a head jerk in Tom's direction. "Come find me, Sweetheart."
"Probably not going to happen," Rachel replied with a chuckle.
"You know I got to keep the options open, right?" Tex said with a laugh.
"Wouldn't expect any less from you, Tex," Rachel replied.
"I hear a second congratulations are in order as well," Tex said nodding at her stomach.
"Yes," Rachel answered.
"He's one lucky guy," Tex said a sad smile on his face. Rachel gave him a genuine one in return.
"Yes, he is."
They finished their dance in silence and Tex bowed and walked away. Tom caught Rachel's eyes and raised an eyebrow, but Rachel just shook her head and smiled. Tom nodded and went back to talking to a group of friends. Rachel started circulating the room talking to everyone.
As the night wound down Rachel found Tom. He rounded up his kids and sent them home with his father as they left to stay the night in a hotel. When they were checked in, Rachel headed for the bathroom and stripped out of her dress with a sigh. She put on the hotel robe and snuggled into the soft fabric. When she came out of the bathroom she found Tom already out of his whites, on the bed in his boxers.
"Come here, Dr. Chandler," he whispered, crooking a finger at her. She smiled and climbed on the bed next to him. He leaned back and she snuggled into him, her face hovering near his. "I love you," he breathed out as his hand came up and his fingers traced lightly down her cheek.
"I love you too," she said as she leaned down and captured his mouth with hers. The kiss was slow and soft to begin with, but then it heated up into a passionate exploration. As the kiss heated up so did their bodies as they made love for the first time as husband and wife.
To Be Continued…
