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 Tom was on the deck of the Nathan James pulling at the collar of his dress whites. Mike stood next to him adjusting his cover on his head. Andrea was standing a little way off talking to his father. Tom was feeling the excitement of the day and couldn't wait until he saw Rachel. He turned to look out over the deck railing, admiring the view of the ocean. He felt the pang of regret briefly that this was no longer his ship. A hand clasped on his shoulder and Tom turned his head to find Mike standing next to him.
"Nervous?" Mike asked casually.
"A little. More excited," Tom replied looking around. The crew was assembling on the deck getting ready for the ceremony. He spotted Tex with a young lady at the back of the crowd. Tom nodded at the other man and Tex returned the gesture. "It's about time."
"Yep."
"Got the rings?"
"In my pocket," Mike said as he brushed over Tom's shoulder. Tom turned and saw Ashley standing talking to Ava. He motioned she come over and Ashley came up to him.
"What's up, Daddy? You look so handsome."
"Thanks, Baby. Can you run down and let the ladies know it's time to start?"
"Sure, Daddy," Ashley replied and then headed away. Tom took a deep breath and Russ stepped up next to him.
"As soon as the ladies are ready, we are good to start," Russ said. Tom nodded slowly. Mike slapped him on the back once and then walked away and Russ steered Tom to towards the alter area. Tom walked up the aisle with Russ by his side and then took a spot at the front, turning to watch the rest of the wedding party.
Slowly they started to walk towards him, Kelly and Mike first, then Ashley and his father next, followed by Garnett and Kara. As they took their places at the front Tom's breath was taken away as Rachel came into view walking towards him.
She started out looking around but then she found his eyes. They locked on each other as she walked slowly towards him, sending his insides into a rush of heat. She was beautiful in her dress. She came to a stop in front of him.
"You're breath taking," he whispered and she smiled at him.
The ceremony was a blur for Tom as his attention was solely focused on his bride. He managed to say his lines when he was supposed to and when Russ started saying 'you may kiss the bride', his lips were on Rachel's at may, kissing her full of passion.
They pulled apart to the jeers of the crew and Tom watched as Rachel blushed red clear to her ears. He smiled. He watched her glance over his shoulder, probably looking at Mike, who was one of the loudest. Tom then held out his arm and she wrapped her arm around his. They then 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 staring to crank up the music. Tom couldn't help but stare at Rachel and wonder what he did right to deserve this, to deserve her. She glanced at him and noticed his intense stare.
"What?" she asked.
"Just wondering what I did right to be able to call you my wife," he whispered as he took her hand and kissed it. Rachel smiled at him.
"You trusted me," she said back with a small smile. Tom tipped his head to the side. That caught him off guard. He had felt like he had to trust her. If he didn't then there was no hope, and with no hope, there was no future.
"I had to," Tom replied.
"No, Tom, you chose too. And because you trusted me? I trusted myself. And here we are," she said softly. Tom thought about her answer and was flabbergasted. He didn't see it that way, he saw himself as just being there…along for the ride.
"I'm not so special," Tom said, his features falling slightly. He didn't see himself as the hero.
"But you are, Tom, and you have no idea how special you are, I think that's what makes me love you so much."
That statement hit him to the core, and he felt his heart swell. But before he could answer Mike stood up and called for everyone's attention. Tom sighed as he knew what was coming. He had tried to talk Mike out of a speech, but he had insisted. He looked at Rachel and she gave him a curious look, so he made a face, and she laughed, it was music to his ears.
"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 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 back at him. The crew laughed, and Mike glared down 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 was laughing next to him. Tom and Mike stared at each other, letting the laughter die down.
"If you have to," Tom quipped and leaned over and kissed Rachel's temple, before looking back at Mike.
"Always needs the spotlight that one," Mike continued shaking his head. Then he lifted his glass 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. Tom burst out laughing and raised an eyebrow at Mike. After the laughs died down, Rachel nudged Tom playfully in his ribs. He smiled and 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 as Tom just simply shook his head. That's a best friend for you. "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. A lopsided grin had graced Tom's features as he stared at Mike. His attention turned to Rachel as he felt her squeeze his leg just above his knee. He leaned over and kissed her lovingly on the lips. Mike sat down and Tom leaned over to him. He reached his hand out and Mike shook it, as Tom gripped him firmly, he leaned into Mike's ear.
"You're such an ass," Tom whispered. Mike laughed heartily, throwing his head back. Tom leaned back towards Rachel as Kelly Tophet stood up holding her glass up.
"Well, who can follow a stellar speech like that?" Kelly asked as more laughter erupted from the crew. Tom caught Mike's wink in Kelly's direction and shook his head slowly. "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 Tom and Mike, "but long enough. I wish you both long lasting happiness in this crazy world we now live in," Kelly finished raising her glass. She sat down and Tom watched Rachel lean over and hug her.
The DJ spoke up calling Rachel and him to the dance floor for the first dance. Tom stood and held his hand out for Rachel to take. 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. Tom was locked on her, watching the emotions cascade through her. He could tell she was a bit overwhelmed, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. Tom pulled her in closer, holding her tight.
"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 at him, and he watched the desire swim through her eyes. "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 were heading to the dance floor. Before they made it back Sam and Ashley grabbed ahold of Tom on each side, dragging him away from Rachel and back towards the dance floor. He laughed and went willingly with his children.
As the three of the found an easy rhythm and danced together to the song, Tom's eyes were never off of Rachel for very long. He couldn't help it. He was happy to see Tex step up and talk to her, then he frowned a little when Tex led her to the dance floor. He watched as they came together and swayed on the dance floor. Her eyes drifted to him, and she laughed. He could only imagine the look on his face. He shoved the feelings down and focused on his kids for the moment. He was happy that Sam seemed to have put the anger aside and was enjoying the night.
Sam grew tired of the dancing shortly and took off in search of Green, Burk, and Wolf. Tom took the opportunity to dance more slowly with his daughter. She smiled up at him.
"Having a good time?" Tom asked. Ashley nodded.
"Yeah. It was a pretty ceremony, Dad. Rachel looks beautiful."
"Yes, she does," he said smiling. He looked over Ashley's shoulder and watched Rachel for a moment.
"I'm really happy for you, Dad."
"I'm glad you came around. Now if we can just get Sammy on board."
"He'll get there. He's doing better. It was a lot for his brain to take in."
"It was a lot for all of us to take in."
"I know."
They continued to dance in silence. Rachel and Tex broke apart and Tom caught Rachel's eye and raised an eyebrow. Rachel simply shook her head and smiled at him. As the song ended, Ashley took off to find Ava, and Tom turned to find Mike, Andrea, Kara, his father, and Gladys sitting at a table talking. Tom took a seat.
"And we'll be shipping off tomorrow afternoon," Mike was saying. Everyone looked at Tom.
"Are you sad you're staying on dry land, Sir?" Garnett asked quietly. Tom smiled and looked over his shoulder finding Rachel working the crowd.
"No, actually I'm not. I'm ready for land duty," Tom replied with a smile. Andrea smiled and nodded.
"We're gunna miss you out there," Mike replied with a nod. Tom looked at his friend and smiled.
"I think I've left the ship in good hands. Make sure you keep him in line, Eng."
"Oh, you can count on it, Admiral," Andrea replied with a wink. Tom laughed. He saw the confused look on Kara's face and the smirk from his father.
"Did I miss something?" Kara asked just as Danny stepped up behind her.
"Can I have a dance?" Danny asked and Kara looked up over her shoulder at him. She scanned the faces around the table one last time but then got up and joined Danny on the dance floor.
"Whoops," Andrea said laughing. Mike cringed and Tom smirked.
"So, how long have you two been sleeping together?" Jed asked. Tom's jaw dropped and his eyes widened at his father's brashness. Mike burst out laughing and Andrea turned bright red.
"Long enough," Mike said with a shoulder shrug. He then smiled at Andrea.
"I take it, it still under cover?"
"Always under the covers," Andrea said with a sly smile. More laughter erupted and Mike grinned.
"Since we share a command right now, we have to keep it on the down low. But after this deployment," Mike shrugged. Andrea smiled at him.
"You two make a cute couple," Gladys piped in. Everyone smiled and nodded. As much as Tom wanted to stay right where he was, he knew he needed to work the crowd. He pushed up from the table and put a hand on his dad's shoulder.
"Take the kids tonight?" Tom asked. Jed nodded.
"Just find me when it's time," he replied before turning to Gladys. "Dance with me?"
"My pleasure," she smiled at him. The two sauntered off to the dance floor and Tom turned to Mike.
"If I don't see you before you ship out tomorrow, Be Safe."
"Always, Sir. And congrats, Tom. She's a catch."
"Thanks, Mike."
"Congrats, Tom," Andrea said. "I'm glad you found happiness again."
"Thanks, Eng. Happiness looks good on you too. I'm just stunned it's with that goofball," Tom said jutting a thumb at Mike.
"Hey," Mike said. He couldn't hold his posture though and started laughing. All three of them laughed.
"It's the people that'll I'll miss," Tom said with a sigh. "Make sure you both come back."
"Ay, ay, Admiral," Mike replied with a salute. Tom smiled. He worked his way around the room until it was time to leave. Rachel appeared at his elbow, and he looked at her, knowing she was ready to leave. He rounded up his kids and sent them home with his father. Then he and Rachel left for the hotel. As soon as they were in their room, Rachel headed for the bathroom and Tom let a sigh of relief out as he unbuttoned his dress uniform and peeled it off his body. Once stripped to his boxer shorts, he climbed into the bed and stretched out, waiting for his wife to join him. The bathroom door opened, and Rachel came out wearing the hotel robe.
"Come here, Dr. Chandler," he whispered, crooking his finger at her. She smiled at him and climbed on the bed next to him. He leaned back into the pillows, and she snuggled into him, her face hovering near his. "I love you," he breathed out as he brought his hand up to trace his fingers 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…
