It's been 6 weeks since Nikki was discharged from the hospital, and she is ready to return to Hammersley. As luck would have it, Hammersley was given two weeks R & R&R, and Josh was hoping to go to Melbourne so Nikki could meet his parents.
"I wanted to check with you in case we got crash sailed while we were out of town," Nikki said to Mike went she went to see him at NAVCOM.
"Thank you, Nikki, no worries, I'll just keep Beecham on until you get back. How long are you planning on going for?"
"Just three days."
"Enjoy your visit."
"Thank you, Sir,"
Nikki called Josh when she left NAVCOM and let him know that everything was okay for them to go.
" Ace! I'll call my parents and book our flight."
Two days later, they were pulling up in front of Josh's parent's home.
"Let's just go in; I'll come back for our bags later," Josh tells her as he pulls her in close for a quick kiss. Then taking her hand, he walks to the front door and lets himself in. Diane was in the kitchen; his father was in the back garden.
"Mum!" Josh called out.
Diane just about ran out of the kitchen and grabbed her son in for a hug and then called for James to come inside.
Letting go of Josh, she turns to Nikki, "You must be Nikki; it's so nice to finally meet you."
"You too, Mrs Holiday."
Diane gives Nikki a welcoming hug, "it's Diane and Jim."
"Alright, thank you."
"Come, let's sit outback. I'll get some lemonade and munchies."
"Sounds great, Mum," Josh said, placing his hand on Nikki's lower back while guiding her to the patio.
"We are so pleased that you are here, Nikki. How are you feeling? Josh told us you're returning to work." James said.
"I'm much better, thanks."
Diane returned with a tray of lemonade and cut fruit. "Josh told us about the accident; it sounds like you were really lucky."
"Yeah, I was. Josh was my white night. He really got me through it. We're sorry about the way you found out about us. It's not what we planned."
"It's alright, we understand," Diane tells her.
During a lull in the conversation, Nikki's thoughts turned to her parents ( they are so laid back compared to Mum and Dad. No wonder Josh is so gentle and sweet.)
"So, tell us, how did you two end up together? Josh had told us that he was seeing someone, but no details. A Mum wants to know these things," Diane winked.
"We met when I was posted to Hammersley as navigator a little over a year ago. I know that this is corny, but there was a spark when our eyes met, and I knew that I had to get to know him."
"I couldn't take my eyes off her," Josh adds. "I don't know how, but I knew that she was the one. That special someone."
"Funny thing," Nikki jumps in."I felt the same. I knew the Navy's regulations against relationships between shipmates, but this time I didn't care. It didn't matter to me."
"So…" Josh continues. " We started meeting at cafes off the ship and hanging out as friends on the ship. Just talking and such, getting to know each other."
"We eventually started actually dating each other off the ship. Josh took me to some amazing places away from Cairns so we could be together and not be found out."
" How long have you been seeing each other?" Jim asked.
" A little over a year," Josh replied. "We didn't say anything because of our situation. Then after a tough rotation, I decided that I had had enough. I wanted less stress in my life, and I wanted to be with Nikki out in the open. No more hiding. So, I resigned."
"What are you doing now, Son?" James asked.
"I'm working for a dive excursion company. I love it. The best part is I get to be home when Nikki is."
"That's wonderful!" Diane said. "Being happy, that's most important. So… you're happy?"
Reaching over and taking Nikki's hand, "More than happy, Mum."
"Nikki, we were going to BBQ. Is that ok?" Jim asks her.
"Perfect."
"Chicken or steak?"
"Steak would be great."
" Splendid! Josh, Amelia and Stacy will be here shortly; I hope that's ok."
" Mum, that's great. I've been looking forward to seeing them...Nikki, feel like a swim?"
"That sounds wonderful."
"Good, I'll go grab our bags. Where do you want us, Mum?"
"Use the guest room, your old room is only a single, and you'll have a bath to yourselves."
"Thanks, Mum. Nikki and I are going for a dip."
" Enjoy, there are towels in the cabana."
" Thanks," Josh says again.
Nikki waited by the door while Josh got their bags from the car.
"We're going upstairs and down the hall, last room on the right."
" This is a really nice house. How many bedrooms?"
" Five. We're in the guest room, and it has its own bath."
"Nice!"
After they got their bags sorted and a short bit of snuggles mixed with kisses, they changed and went down to the pool.
In the pool, they frolicked like kids, then settled into doing some slow laps. They were standing in the shallow end when Josh took Nikki's hands, pulled her to him, and kissed her softly. Nikki jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. They hung out like that for about five minutes before they got out.
Diane was feeling a little guilty watching them, but she couldn't help herself. She hasn't seen Josh this happy since he was a little boy. He hasn't brought a girl home since high school. ( I was beginning to think that with the Navy, he would end up a bachelor.)
After getting out of the pool, they settled into the poolside lounge chairs.
"Your Mum and Dad are really nice. They seem easy-going, like you."
"They are fairly easy-going. I think they like you too, but then again, what's not to like?" Josh smiles at her.
It was quiet and peaceful, and they both ended up taking a nap while holding hands. While they were sleeping, Amelia arrived with her husband Luca and their two kids, Brian, 6 and Izzy, 4.
"Hey, Mum," giving her a peck on the cheek."
"Hi, sweety… Luca… where are the munchkins?"
She no sooner asked the question when Brian and Izzy ran up to her.
"Well! There you are! Nana needs her hugs!"
"Where's Josh?" Amelia asks, "Is that his hire car in the driveway?"
"He and Nikki are down by the pool. I think they fell asleep."
"What do you think of her, Mum?"
"She's adorable, smart, and she makes your brother extremely happy."
"She's in the Navy too?"
" Yes, a lieutenant. Josh has left the Navy."
"For her?"
"He left for a few reasons, he had several close calls, and he said that he was tired of the depravity that he saw all of the time. But yes, he also left so that they could be together."
"Huh, well, the kids want to go swimming, so I guess Prince Charming will have to wake-up and his Princess too."
"Be good, Amelia,"
Amelia got the kids changed for the pool while Luca sought out James, finding him preparing the BBQ.
Approaching the pool, Amelia stopped the kids and whispered, "Why don't you run ahead and surprise Uncle Josh."
"Yeah!"
Charging across the garden to the pool patio, they started yelling…" Uncle Josh, Uncle Josh!" and then landed on his lap.
"Aruuugggg…..where did you two come from?" giving them both a hug and a kiss on their heads.
Nikki couldn't stop giggling.
"Mummy and Daddy brought us!" Brian tells him.
"Well, that's just awesome!"
Amelia walked over and joined the mini circus. "Hey, Brother, it's so good to see you!" bending over and giving him a hug.
"You too, Sis."
"Amelia, Brian, Izzy, this is my very special friend and soon to be your Aunty Nikki."
Nikki was about to stand when Amelia waved her down. "No need to get up. Relax, sit. I'm really pleased to meet you."
"Thank you, you too."
"Have you set a date yet?"
"No, with my accident, we've just had too much going on."
"Josh, would you mind watching the kids? I want to go help Mum; they're getting ready to cook."
"Sure, no worries."
Nikki gets up from her chair, "I'll come with."
"No, please, you're our guest. Please, just relax."
Feeling just a tad guilty, she sat back down.
The kids played in the pool for about a half-hour before it was time for them to get out and get changed for dinner. Grabbing their towels, they ran to the house with Nikki and Josh following behind them.
Going through the kitchen, "Mum, we'll be down in a few, going to get changed."
"Okay, Luv."
Once in their room, Josh pulls Nikki into his arms and holds her close, kissing her softly.
"You know I can't get enough of you."
"I've heard that about you," she says with a grin and then, "Me too."
They hugged and kissed for a few more moments. "We had better get changed," Josh says almost sadly as he reluctantly releases her.
While they were upstairs, Stacy had arrived. Diane, Amelia and Stacy were in the kitchen assembling a salad when they came down.
"I'm going to head outback and see what the guys are up to," Josh says.
Nikki had settled on a kitchen stool.
"Nikki," would you like a drink?" Diane asks. "We have lemonade, coke, diet coke, water, beer."
"Diet Coke would be great."
"Glass or no?"
"Just the can will be fine."
"Nikki," Amelia looks at her, "will you humour us and play the Holiday's version of twenty questions?"
Diane adds, "whenever Josh or one of the girls brought someone new around, well, you get the picture. You can pass on any question that makes you uncomfortable."
Laughing, "I'm game, shoot."
"Mum goes first, then Amelia, then me and it just keeps going around," Stacy explains.
Diane starts: "Where did you grow up?"
"In Kalamunda, a small town about 30 minutes out of Perth."
Amelia: "Brothers or sisters?"
"Four older brothers."
"Oh!" Diane interjects, "you're the baby girl!"
"Yeah, in an Italian family."
Stacy: "How old are you?"
" 32 "
Diane: "Did you go to Uni?"
" ADFA - Australian Defence Force Academy, majoring in navigation."
Amelia: "How did you and Josh meet?"
"Short version, when I was posted to Hammersley. We took to each other instantly."
Stacy: "What did your parents say when they met Josh?"
Laughing, "Well, they walked in on Josh, kissing me when I was in the hospital. It was…uncomfortable. Let's just say poor Josh got off on a slightly wrong foot."
Diane: "That must have been interesting.?
" Hah!" Nikki chuckled. "Not quite the word I would use. They love him now…What's not to love? To be fair, they didn't know that I was seeing anybody let alone engaged."
Amelia: "Are you planning on leaving the Navy too?"
" No, I love the Navy. I plan on reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. That's one step up from where I am."
Stacy: "Josh is good with that? Your staying in the Navy?"
" We've talked all about this; he knew that that was my goal when he met me. He Supports me 100%."
Diane decides that the game has gone on long enough and asks a silly question that signals the end of the game: "What's your shoe size?"
Laughing, " What? Size 7"
At that moment, James gave a shout, "Steaks ready in 5."
"I guess that our cue. Let's get the food outside. " Diane says.
Nikki got up and picked up the salad bowl while Stacy grabbed the dressings. Diane took up the roasted potatoes.
"Amelia, would you take care of the drinks?" Diane asks.
"Sure, Mum."
Everything was ready and on the table when James announced, " Dig in, no standing on ceremony."
Nikki was sitting next to Josh, who kept finding ways to touch her. He's like a schoolboy, he can't help himself, and Nikki loves it. She had never been with anyone who was as attentive as he is.
The dinner conversation was lively, with lots of laughter and joking.
After dinner, Nikki helped clean up and then returned to the patio to sit with Josh. James had lit the patio torches, and they were all enjoying the evening air and company.
Shortly after 8, Amelia and Luca said goodnight wanting to get the kids home and to bed. Stacy left around 10. As 11 o'clock rolled around, Josh announced that he was ready to say goodnight, reaching Nikki's hand and taking her with him.
Josh closed their door and took off his shirt while Nikki sat on the bed.
" Your family is wonderful. Your sisters are a delight."
"Yup, they're pretty special," sitting down next to Nikki and wrapping his arms around her, "you're pretty special too. I'm fairly sure that they liked you. Did they get you with that silly game of theirs?"
Laughing, "Yeah, but you know, it was kind of fun."
They finished getting changed, Josh in his boxers and Nikki in a shorty set; they climbed into bed, kissed goodnight… a couple of times...then snuggled into sleep.
Morning rolled around with bright sunshine coming through the window, painting the room in a golden hue. Nikki slipped out of bed and went into the shower. Coming out of the bath, she got dressed while Josh still slept. Dressing in shorts and a tee, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen, following the scent of fresh coffee.
"Nikki! Good morning! Coffee?" Diane greets her.
"That would be fabulous! On the ship, I live on the stuff, strong and sweet. I call it 'navigator brew'."
Diane poured her a cup, "Milk, ½&½, and sugar are there on the bench.
"Perfect, thanks."
"I've made up some waffles for brekky, with fruit, yogurt, or maple syrup."
"That sounds great."
"James and I holidayed in the States a couple of years back. We fell in love with them. When we got back, I bought a waffle iron and some Vermont maple syrup from Amazon and looked up a recipe. I'm sure you'll like them. Josh had his first taste around a year ago; you wouldn't believe how many he ate." laughing and shaking her head at the memory. "James set the waffle iron up outside on the patio. We can just cook our own."
"I love it!"
"Josh is still sleeping?"
"Yeah, I guess I should wake him," Nikki answered.
"Probably, unless he's changed, he'll sleep until noon."
"Well, the Navy pretty much took care of that, but he does like to sleep in some when he's not working. It's one of the things that he said at his farewell party, ' No more
5:30 am Wakey, Wakey, Wakey!" Nikki said, laughing as Diane joined in.
Returning to their bedroom, Nikki found a still sleeping Josh. She climbed on the bed next to him and started nuzzling his neck with little kisses. Rolling over, he grabs her and pulls her in for a proper kiss.
"Okay, come on, Rip Van, it's after 9, and your mom is waiting brekky on you."
Giving her another quick kiss, "alright, I'll be right down."
Fifteen minutes later, showered and dressed in board shorts and a flowered shirt, Josh joined them outside after grabbing a coffee.
"What time is your flight?" James asked.
" 6:30," Josh answers between bites. "We'll need to be at the airport for 4:30."
"Good, how about a cruise around the harbour?"
Looking at Nikki, "What do you think?"
"That sounds great."
"I'll pack up some sandwiches and drinks," Diane says.
As Nikki and Diane cleaned up breakfast, Josh and his Dad ready the Holiday's 27 ft cruiser.
"I'll have you back here by 2:30, Josh. Will that work out, okay?"
"That'll be fine, Dad."
"Nikki, I have never seen Josh so happy. Forgive me, but he had such a reputation as a player. I wasn't sure if he would ever settle down," Diane remarks while they load the dishwasher.
"When I met Josh, he had quite a reputation on the ship. Some even called him 'Romeo' and Casanova'." So, when I first started seeing him, I was a bit unsure. I hoped that I wasn't just another of a long line, if you know what I mean. He tells me that as soon as we met, that he was 100% committed, and he is, as I am to him. I can't even imagine my life without him."
" I guess that it just took the right woman. I'm so happy for you both."
Nikki grabbed the drinks from the fridge while Diane got the sandwiches, and they headed down to the Holiday's dock.
James brought the boat out to the channel. They settled in for a pleasant cruise towards the harbour and then upriver before returning. True to his word, they were pulling up to the dock at 2:15. To get to the Melbourne Airport at 4:30, they would need to leave by 3:45, so it was all good.
At 3:30, Josh was loading their bags into the car. Nikki turned to Josh's parents, " Mr and Mrs Holiday…"
"Jim and Diane," Josh's mum interrupts.
"Diane, Jim, I am so glad that I finally got the chance to meet you. It's easy to see why Josh is as sweet and kind as he is."
Josh had been walking over to them when he heard what Nikki had said," Awwe, you're making me blush."
"Well, it's true," Nikki says to him, wrapping an arm around his waist."
"Nikki, thank you. We are very pleased to have met you. Welcome to the family."
Nikki gave Diane and James a hug, then Josh hugged his Mum and Dad, which included the manly back slaps. Then they climbed into the car and waved as they drove away.
"What a wonderful couple of days, and I love your sisters," Nikki says.
"They're ok," grinning.
At the airport, they dropped the car and checked in. Two hours later, they were sitting on their plane waiting for take-off and the 3 hr flight to Cairns. Cozying up to Josh, Nikki put in her headphones, and Josh took out his book. Both of them were thinking about how lucky they were to have found each other. Was it fate?