CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Tom sat with his son as Sam slept. He laid in the bed with him and watched him sleep. He knew his son was hurting, and he made a promise to himself to he would do what he could to help his son through this turmoil. Eventually sleep overtook Tom.
He woke early the next morning still cramped up on Sam's bed. He stretched and winced at the kinks in his body. He slowly slipped from the bed, working hard to not wake up Sam. He went to his bedroom and frowned when he found it empty. He was hoping to see Rachel still in bed. Tom made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. He found his dad and Rachel sitting at the table.
"Morning," he breathed out and he noticed how tired he sounded. Rachel reached out a hand and touched his. Tom looked at her and forced a smile
"Rough night?" Jed asked him, then sipped his coffee. Tom smirked at his dad and shook his head.
"Not horrible, not great," he said then looked at Rachel. "Sorry I never made it back to you."
"It's okay. You should get ready for work."
"Yes, Ma'am," Tom whispered then he leaned down and kissed her soundly. Tom then pulled away from Rachel and fixed a cup of coffee for himself before going back upstairs to their bedroom. He drank his coffee then jumped in the shower quickly before shaving. Once done he donned his uniform and headed back downstairs. He didn't really want to go in this morning, but he knew he had to get a few things done. It would also give him time away from Rachel to set his plan in motion. Tom headed back downstairs and found Rachel about to sit on the couch. She walked up to him instead as he straightened his uniform out.
"Have a good day, Sailor," she said as she approached him. He smiled at her and leaned in close. Rachel met him and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her neck and when the kiss was over, he placed his forehead against hers.
"I'm sorry about…" he began in a low whisper, meaning to explain his falling asleep in Sam's room.
"Shh," she shushed him. "It's not something you can control. We knew this was going to be an issue and we are dealing with it."
"I love you," Tom said softly as he kissed her again. He really did love her too. She smiled at him.
"I love you too, now go, or you'll be late. I'll show your dad to his house today."
The words registered in his brain and Tom felt like a complete idiot. After everything that happened with the kids and getting things unloaded, he had completely forgotten to take his dad down to the other house. Embarrassment crept over him.
"I can't believe I forgot," Tom said with a sigh. "Thank you."
"He forgives you," she teased then kissed him. "Go."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied before he walked out the door. He headed into the building and managed to slip into his office without being seen. He set his things down and checked his messages. Nothing was needing his immediate attention although Michener was asking about Tex again. Tom made a mental note to call him and ask if he had made a decision yet. He would also need to call Mike and set his plan in motion. He sat down at his desk and found the number Tex had given him.
"Yo, Commandant, what can I do for you?" Tex answered on the second ring.
"I was just calling to see if you had made a decision on the job I offered. The president is pushing to get this filled."
"Oh yeah, that. Well, I've thought about it, and I talked to Kat about it."
"And?"
"I'm going to take it. I've got some stipulations I want in the contract, but I think ya'll be agreeable on those."
"That is the best news, Tex, I'm happy you decided to take it. I'm going to get your information to the right people, and they will be calling you to get you all set up."
"Sounds good."
"I had one more thing I want to talk to you about."
"Oh?"
"Yes. Well…I know how things ended with Rachel and you, and…"
"It's alright, Commandant. No stress here."
"I just…I wanted to let you know that we're getting married soon. We'd both love for you to be there, if you feel comfortable."
"Oh, wow," Tex mumbled. Tom could hear the disappointment in his voice.
"I know things could be awkward but we both still consider you a good friend. It's completely up to you. I'll let you think about it and get you the information when it's set in stone."
"Okay," Tex said. "Good talking to you."
"Likewise, and expect a call."
"You bet."
Tom hung up the phone and blew out a breath. He knew that there was a chance that Tex wouldn't want to be at his and Rachel's wedding for obvious reasons, but he still wished they could all be friends. He checked the clock and dialed his next number. He knew he was short on time if he wanted to get this all planned and set up.
"Captain Slattery," Mike's voice carried into his ear.
"Mike, it's Tom," he replied letting Mike know it was a personal call and not a formal one.
"Hey, how are things? We haven't talked in a few. Kids get settled?"
"Yeah, well it's been a rough go, but I think the kids will come around."
"Big changes, big emotions."
"You have no idea, Mike."
"Um, something going on you haven't told me about yet?"
"Actually, there is and that's why I called you. Rachel and I have some big news."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yes, well a couple things actually. First off, Rachel's pregnant."
"Congrats, Man, that's amazing news."
"Thanks, Mike. It was a bit of a shock but we're both really happy about it."
"And the other news?"
"You can probably guess with the baby news, but she and I are getting married."
"I figured," Mike said, and Tom could hear the smile in his voice.
"Well, I wanted to know if you'd be my best man?"
"Oh course! We'll have to work around my deployment schedule."
"Yeah, that's the biggest thing."
"Are you thinking a big wedding or something small and intimate.
"I'm not sure. I wanted to just go to the courthouse and do with my family, but I think Rachel is going to want a real wedding. Which I understand. But I think it's going to be small. Maybe just a few friends, or maybe the crew."
"Where do you want to have the wedding?"
"She hasn't said anything yet and I don't really know."
"Have you thought about the deck of the Nathan James? Seems fitting for you two."
"That's an idea, again will depend on deployment schedules."
"I've been told that the James will be seaworthy by the end of this week. Then they're taking her out for a series of test for at least a week. Then we will deploy shortly after that."
"So, I have less than three weeks to pull this off," Tom said with a chuckle.
"Unless you want to wait six months."
"I don't want to wait," Tom said softly. He smiled at the thought. No, he wanted to call Rachel his wife. "And I don't think she does either, with the baby coming."
"Right. That's great, another Chandler rug rat running around. I'm happy for you, Tom."
"Thanks, Mike. We'll talk later this week and start planning more after I talk to Rachel and see what she's wanting."
"Look forward to it. Have a good one," Mike said.
"You too, be safe," Tom said and then hung up. The rest of his day went by slowly. Michener was happy that Tex Nolan was going to take the chief of police job and Tom fulfilled his other duties. He was ready to go home when it came time. He managed to slip out without being forced into any meetings last minute and he breathed a sigh of relief.
When he got home, he found Ashley in the kitchen making dinner. She informed him that Sam was upstairs in his bedroom. Tom sat down at the table and watched her for a moment.
"Where's Rachel?" Tom asked.
"Upstairs taking a shower. I told her I'd make dinner tonight."
"That was nice of you."
"Yeah. She looked like she needed a break."
"Tough day?"
"Kind of. We helped Grampa move in down the street. Sammy's been a turd all day so it was kind of rough on everyone, but he was especially moody to Rachel. She tried so hard to connect with him, but he was…yeah, it wasn't great. She looked worn out when we got home so I figured it was the least I could do."
"Thank you, Honey, that's so nice of you," Tom said as he stood up and went to her. He wrapped her into a hug and squeezed. "So, things are good with you and Rachel?"
"I think I'm going to be okay with it, Dad. It's just a change and I still really miss mom. But I understand what's happening and I want you to be happy too. I get it."
"Thank you, Honey," Tom said hugging her again. "I'm going to go upstairs. I'll be back down when dinner is ready."
"Okay, Dad," Ashley said and turned back to the food.
Tom went up to his bedroom and found Rachel still in the shower. He heard the water turn off and then a little while later she walked out wrapped in a towel. Tom took in the view. He noticed her startle and he smiled at her. Tom reached out and pulled her into his chest, hugging her tightly.
"I missed you today," he whispered against the top of her head.
"I missed you too," she replied. "Your father is all moved into his new home."
"And my daughter is cooking dinner," Tom replied with a smile. Rachel pulled her head from his chest and Tom leaned in and kissed her. When he pulled away, she smiled at him.
"Her idea," Rachel replied.
"I'm so happy my family is all together now. How has Sam been today?"
"Quiet, sullen, avoiding me," Rachel replied quietly. Tom nodded. He knew his son was going to take some time to come around.
"He'll come around," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her again. He pulled away. "You should get dressed; dinner was almost ready when I came up here."
Tom left Rachel to get ready and went to Sam's door, and knocked. The boy didn't say anything, and Tom sighed. He knocked again then opened the door to find his son laying on the bed staring at the ceiling.
"Hey, Sammy," Tom said softly leaning against the door frame. Sam looked over at him and gave him a frown. Tom smiled at him in return. "I heard you had a rough day."
"I hate it here," he said quietly and rolled onto his side.
"It'll be okay. I promise. I'm very happy to have you here with me," Tom said. Sam rolled back over to face him. "You hungry? Ashley is almost done cooking dinner."
"I guess," Sam mumbled and then rose from his bed. He walked across the room and as soon as he was in Tom's reach he pulled his son into a bear hug, squeezing him tight.
"I love you so much, Sammy. You know that right?"
"Yes, Dad," Sam mumbled and hugged him back.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"What?" Sam asked suspiciously. Tom smiled at his boy.
"Try to get along with Rachel? She means a lot to me."
"Maybe," Sam replied with a huff. Tom nodded.
"Come on, let's go eat."
The two went down and took seats at the table as Ashley finished up the meal. Rachel came down not long after and slid into the seat next to Tom. Dinner was quiet and relaxed, other than Sam refusing to talk to anyone. After dinner Tom went upstairs with the kids. He checked in on Ashley, as she was settling in with a book to read, then went into Sam's room.
"Want to talk about what's bothering you?" Tom asked.
"Everything is bothering me," Sam replied, and Tom could see he was close to tears.
"What can I do to fix it?"
"Move back to Norfolk?"
"I can't, Buddy, my job is here in St. Louis. I got a promotion, and I won't be going to sea, but I have to be here for work."
"I don't like it here."
"You've been here two days. Give it time.
"Maybe. I don't like her being in our home," Sam said quietly, avoiding looking at Tom. Tom sighed deeply and sat down on the bed next to his son.
"Look, I know this is a big adjustment for you. And I know Rachel and I didn't do the long-term dating thing where you could get used to the idea."
"I don't think I'll ever get used to the idea," Sam mumbled. Tom sighed again.
"I think if you gave her a chance, you'd really like her, Sammy."
"I don't know, Dad," he said.
"Can you at least agree to give her a chance?"
"I'll think about it," he said as he laid down on his pillow. "I'm tired, can I go to sleep now?"
"Sure, Buddy, sure," Tom said as he leaned down and kissed Sam's forehead. Tom then got up and left the room, turning the light off on his way out.
He walked down the stairs feeling the stress and fatigue of the past couple days. He sat down on the couch, with a sigh, and Rachel immediately scooted closer and snuggled into his side. He instantly felt better. He started to rub his hand up and down her arm, enjoying the fiction it was causing against his skin. His mind was thinking about what he had talked about with Mike. He needed to probe Rachel for more information so he could formulate a plan and execute it. Rachel leaned in and nuzzled his neck with a sigh. Tom looked down at her.
"That obvious?" Tom asked.
"Something's on your mind, Tom," Rachel sighed. "Care to share?"
"I was thinking," Tom said softly.
"Obviously," Rachel chided.
"About what we were talking about last night."
"What? A wedding?" Rachel asked.
"Yes, a wedding. If we have a wedding, who would you want in your bridal party?" He felt Rachel still next to him.
She looked at him and he could see her contemplating his question. She was quiet for a long moment, and he watched the wheels spinning in her eyes. He figured she would have already thought about it, but maybe he was wrong. He stared at her expectantly waiting for an answer.
"Well?" he whispered trying to prompt an answer from her.
"I think I'd ask Kelly Tophet. And Kara. Do you think Ashley would like to be in the wedding?"
"I think she would love to be."
"Who would you pick?" she asked him, and he smiled.
"Well, Mike would be my best man. And of course, Russ would stand with me too. I don't think Sam would like it much, I think I'd ask my dad."
"Okay," Rachel said. "Is this hypothetical? Or are you planning something?"
"Just getting ideas for now," Tom whispered as he settled his hand on her stomach over the baby. Rachel covered his hand with hers. "I can't wait to meet the next Chandler."
"Do you want a boy or a girl?" Rachel asked. He considered her question and took a moment to think about it. He already had one of each, so it didn't matter. Each gender had their own uniqueness in raising them. He decided, it didn't much matter to him as long as the baby and Rachel were healthy.
"It doesn't really matter to me," Tom said softly. "As long as you and baby are healthy."
"I figured you'd want another boy," Rachel said as she leaned her head into his chest again. He shifted and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in tightly to him. He thought about what she said and knew it didn't really matter. Boy or girl, he would love it all the same.
"I already have one of each. I wouldn't mind having one or the other. Let's just hope we can agree on names."
"Oh? Issue between you and Darien?"
"Somewhat. We had some…discussions, both times."
"But eventually you agreed?" Rachel asked. He laughed gently as he remembered the heated conversations, he and Darien had had trying to pick a name for both kids. He noticed Rachel raise an eyebrow at him.
"We compromised," Tom said with a grin. "But it's okay if it's a boy. We already have a good name."
"Oh?" Rachel asked, and he could hear the wondering in her voice. The grin on his face increased fully and he saw suspicion cross her face. "Tom," she said in a warning tone, and he laughed again, before kissing her. He knew she was going to veto the name, but he had to throw it out there.
"I figured we'd name him Nathan James Chandler."
"You've got to be kidding, Tom," Rachel said, as she shook her head.
"No?" he asked, innocently. "I think it has a great ring to it," he said smiling.
"Tom," Rachel said with a sigh. "We are not naming our son Nathan James."
"Why not?" he continued, thoroughly amused.
"Are, you, serious right now?" Rachel asked laughing. Tom faked a pout for a moment before he couldn't help but laugh. He was not being serious. Although he did like the name, not enough to name his son after it.
"No. But you have to admit it's a good solid name."
"Not for our son," Rachel chuckled, and Tom loved when she said that. He was still a little in awe that they were having a baby.
"Do you have a favorite name?
"I like Miles, or maybe Devin. Or Peter."
"I like Peter," Tom said. He leaned over and kissed her hair. "What about for a girl?"
"What about you?"
"For a girl? I like Madilyn or Willow. Maybe Nicole."
"I like Nicole. I also like Nicholas."
"We can make lists and then compare them."
"That sounds like a good idea."
"I think it's time for bed," Tom said, and Rachel agreed with him.
To Be Continued…
