Author's note: Sorry about the long delay! I kind of lost this story and it just wouldn't work itself out. But I think I got it back. I also took a little break from writing anything so that didn't help either. Thanks for being patient! Hopefully I can finish this one and the mirror view story now! Happy reading. Dark rolling sea.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
A few weeks had passed, and Rachel had been busy. She had the new CDC up and running, hiring new people for the lab. She now ran a crew that was overseeing the making and distributing of the cure across the globe. She was also in charge of another crew that was switching gears and starting to deal with new pressing issues that kept coming up.
It seemed there was always a new crisis on the rise that needed their immediate attention. She had grown the agency and was quite happy that Michener had given her free range to run it how she fit.
All the while as she got the lab up and running, she was coordinating with Tom on their upcoming wedding. Tom had secured the Nathan James for their ceremony. It was to take place on the deck. She had talked to Kelly Tophet who had agreed excitedly to be her maid of honor. Kara had also accepted her invite to be a bridesmaid, and much to Rachel's delight, Ashley had been just as excited to be a part of their wedding. She was watching the clock as she was meeting the woman after work to secure dresses for the upcoming big day. She knew they were cutting it close, but it was all such a rush job, there wasn't much else they could do.
She ducked out right at four o'clock. Kelly had stopped and picked up Ashley and Kara had met them, even though she was going to wear her dress whites for the wedding. Rachel had asked her if they were still going to fit, given she was very pregnant, but Kara was adamant that she would make it work.
The dress shopping was fun, and the woman had had a wonderful time. There was lots of laughter and catching up, and Rachel felt she and Ashley bonded just a little bit more.
She had to admit over the last two weeks Ashely had come around. She was much more accepting of Rachel and Tom's relationship. Rachel felt a big part of that was Tom had found the kids a psychologist to talk to. Rachel knew that Ashley was using that time work through her anger, guilt, and grief.
Their relationship grew stronger each day, as Ashley realized that Rachel wasn't there to replace her mother but was there to join their family. Ashley also seemed more and more excited about the coming baby, which made Rachel happy.
Sam on the other hand was a different matter. He was still angry some of the time, as his outbursts came at unexpected times. Tom had taken to sending Sam down to Jed's during times when the boy just needed to cool down. Jed would keep him for a few hours, sometimes overnight, then send him back. Sam would be okay for a while, until his next outburst would rock the household once again.
Rachel hoped that the psychologist could help Sam work through his anger and pain. Maybe someday in the future she and Sam could have a good relationship. After shopping Kara and Kelly came back to the house and sat at the kitchen table with Rachel and Ashley. There was a lot to catch up on.
"How are things in Norfolk, Kelly?" Rachel asked.
"Life moves forward, I suppose," Kelly replied. "I miss the Chandlers being next door," she said as she smiled at Ashley.
"I miss you guys too," Ashley said. "How is Ava? Is she coming to the wedding?"
"She's doing okay. She's bummed her best friend moved away, but she's surviving. School is rough. And yes. She is flying out here tomorrow night."
"I can't wait to see Ava," Ashley beamed.
"Kara, when are you due?" Kelly asked Kara turning towards the lieutenant. Kara winced and pushed on her belly a little.
"Not soon, enough," she said with a chuckle. "But soon."
"Having a boy or a girl?" Rachel asked as she put her hand on her own stomach.
"Boy," Kara beamed. "We're going to name him Frankie."
"That's a good name," Rachel said smiling. Kara nodded.
"Danny's going to miss it all. He's deploying with the James right after your wedding."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Are you staying here in St. Louis?" Kelly said.
"Yes. I'm going to work in the CNO's office when I come back from maternity leave."
"That'll be nice," Kelly said. Kara nodded.
They continued to catch up with each other and Rachel felt herself relax fully. It was nice to sit and chat with friends. It wasn't too long before Tom came in. He came in the kitchen and gave her a kiss and Ashely a hug before he slid into the last empty seat at the table.
"Good to see you again, Kelly," Tom said warmly, then turned towards Kara. "And you too Lieutenant."
"Likewise," Kelly said. "I'm glad you took my advice," she continued with a knowing smile. Tom chuckled and nodded.
"Good to see you too, Admiral," Kara replied.
"We got our dresses today, Daddy," Ashley piped up excitedly. Tom smiled at her.
"That's great, Baby, I'm glad you're excited."
"Did you pick a third groomsman?" Rachel asked. They were coming down to the wire and Tom had yet to pick a third person.
"I did…sort of," Tom replied with a smile. It wasn't the answer Rachel was expecting and she cocked her head to the side and stared at Tom with curiosity trying to decipher what he meant by…sort of. "I asked Garnett to stand with me. And she said yes, but she said she's a groomswoman."
"I see," Rachel said with a smile. She was happy with his choice. "And everything else is in place?"
"Yes," Tom said with a smile. "Last I heard Dad was getting fitted for his tux today, and Me, Mike, and Garnett will wear our whites."
"Dresses are accounted for, except Kara will wear her whites," Rachel replied, her nervousness creeping into her voice. She didn't want to admit it, but she was nervous about a wedding in front of everyone on the ship. Tom smiled at her, and she felt her insides smooth over.
"I'll leave you ladies to it," Tom said as he got up and walked towards the door. Rachel frowned and wondered where he was going.
"Where are you going?" she called after him. Tom looked back over his shoulder at her.
"To check in with my dad," he replied, then exited the house.
Rachel brought her attention back to the woman at the table with her. They were conversing softly, and Rachel listened to their banter. It wasn't too long before both Kelly and Kara excused themselves and left. Ashely told Rachel she was tired and was going to her room for a while, so Rachel went to the couch and waited for Tom to come back.
He was completely distracted when he came in and missed her sitting on the couch. She stood and waited for him to notice her but there was definitely something on his mind, distracting him.
"Tom," she said trying to garner his attention. She watched him nearly jump from his own skin and she cringed that she had scared him so badly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that."
"No, it's…okay," Tom mumbled his mind still focusing on whatever was distracting him. "What did you want?"
"Something happen at your dad's?" she asked, wondering what had him so distracted.
"Um…I think my dad has a girlfriend," Tom said hesitantly. Rachel raised her eyebrows at him and smiled. She thought it was great if Jed found someone he could care about. Everyone deserved to be happy.
"Awe, that's adorable," Rachel replied.
"I guess," Tom said, pondering the thought. He made a weird face. "It's weird."
"Any weirder than you having a girlfriend?" Rachel asked, amused. Tom looked her in the eyes.
"I have a fiancé. And in three days I'll have a wife," Tom said softly as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a kiss. Rachel smiled when they pulled apart.
"Semantics. Is it any different?"
"I suppose not," Tom mumbled. "I…just never figured my dad…I guess I never thought about it before."
"He deserves to be happy too," Rachel sighed out. Tom nodded at her.
"I suppose. Plans all set? Ladies all ready to go?"
"Yes, we are go for launch in three days," she whispered. Tom smiled at her then leaned down and kissed her again.
To Be Continued…
