The Holidays:
Following another uneventful flight, they collected their luggage and rental car and set off for Josh's parents. It was 11:00 when Josh pulled into the driveway. Diane and James had been sitting on the front steps waiting for them. Before they were even out of the car, they ran over to them.
"You're really here! It's unbelievable! You're really here!" Diane cried while hugging Josh.
"Really here, Mum," with tears in his eyes.
Taking a deep breath and wiping her face, she embraces Nikki while James is with Josh. "Welcome home!" kissing her cheek.
Going to the back door of the car, Josh unclipped Gale and lifted her out.
"Mum, Dad, this is our little Poppet."
"She's beautiful! So much of both of you. Gale, a lovely name."
"Gale Marie Holiday, 3 months now. She's changing so fast." Nikki said.
Josh's parents were beaming.
"Would you like to hold her, Nana?" Josh asked.
"You know it! Let's go inside."
They went through the house to the outside patio. It was partly cloudy and warm but pleasant. Diane sat holding Gale.
"Drinks?" James asked.
"Is there lemonade, Dad?"
" I believe so."
"Lemonade for me then."
Nikki added, "I'll have one too."
"Diane?"
"May as well make it three."
James retreated to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with four glasses and the pitcher of lemonade.
Over the next hour, they told their story.
"Who knew that we raised such a romantic!" Diane laughed. "AND… delivering your own baby! My God! What an experience! "
" Yeah, well, I worried about it for seven-months, going over things in my head over and over. Mum, I was scared shitless. I'll be pleased to leave it to the experts next time."
"Diane, you would have never known. He was phenomenal, calming me, keeping me hydrated and then taking care of her afterwards." Nikki said, beaming at him.
"There's to be a next time?" Diane asked.
Nikki and Josh were both grinning, "Most likely," Nikki said.
At this point, Nikki removed the pictures that they brought for them from the nappy pack and passed them to Diane.
"These are wonderful! Thank you!" Diane exclaimed.
"How were you able to get pictures?" asked Jim.
"Our phones. Because we were going wilderness camping, I had packed solar chargers for the phones and tablets. They worked on our kindles too. We obviously didn't have service, but the camera function still worked." explained Josh.
" You had all of that to go camping?"
"Yeah, new-age camping, Dad. As it turned out, it was good that we had them. I had loaded a bunch of movies onto our tablets, plus we had loaded a few books onto the kindles. Our phones provided us with some music."
"Who would have thought, stranded with movies!" Jim chuckled.
"I thought that we would go out for dinner tonight, then tomorrow we'll have everyone over," said Diane.
"That sounds good, Mum."
Gale started to get fussy, signalling that it was time for a change and a bottle. They were still doing the formula for every other feeding.
"She's probably hungry and wet," Josh says, taking her. Then to Nikki, "I'll go change her and bring back a bottle."
"Okay, Luv."
Diane looks at Nikki, "Is that really my son?" she laughs.
"He's wonderful, such a complete hands-on Dad. From the very beginning, he took such good care of us."
Diane smiled proudly. "I always knew that there was more to him than a party boy."
Josh came back with a much happier baby. "Mum, would you like to feed her?" he handed her over to his mother.
Diane cradled her close as she gazed at her youngest grandchild.
"Mum, I am going to bring our things in. Where do you want us?"
"Same as last time. We set up a port-a-cot in there for you and a rocker."
"Perfect, Thanks Mum, Dad."
"I'll come and help with the suitcases."
"Great, thanks, Dad."
Walking into the room that was to be theirs, seeing the queen bed and the port-a-cot, Josh started to chuckle.
"What's so funny, mate? Care to share?"
Josh looked at his father and really started to laugh, then getting himself under control. He told his father about what they had found at the Caetano's that first day.
Jim looked at him, "seriously?"
"Yup," still laughing, which got Jim laughing as well.
While they were alone, Josh confided in his Dad some of the other things that had gone on during their visit with her parents. He even told him how Nikki pushed her mother's buttons by seducing him while her parents were in the next room. This made Jim laugh harder still.
"Your Nikki is a gem."
"Yeah, that she is. The island had taken away some of that spunk. I loved seeing it come back."
They relaxed and enjoyed being together for the rest of the afternoon, even taking a swim. It was 5:00, and time to change for dinner. Nikki wore a new sundress that she had bought while shopping with Sophia, and Josh wore the new shirt that Nikki had bought him with khaki board shorts. Nikki dressed Gale in one of her new girly outfits that her Mum had bought during their shopping trip.
"I thought that we would go to that steak restaurant that you liked the last time you were here," Jim said as they were heading to the car.
"That sounds perfect, Dad."
Chatting over dinner, "It was terribly hard when we found out that you were missing and then presumed dead." Jim told them.
"They had a memorial service for you and your pilot on Hammersley," Diane continued. "We were taken out into the Timor Sea to the area where it was believed that the plane had gone down. We placed three large floating wreaths." Diane said, choking up.
"I'm so sorry that you all had to go through all that," Nikki soothed, placing her hand on Diane's arm.
"And what about you two having to spend a year on an island not knowing if you would ever be found, living about as primitive as it could get. That must have been difficult." Jim said.
"Well, we had a few things. Luckily we had our camping gear, and we had brought enough food for a little more than two weeks, and we made that last a bit longer by rationing ourselves," Josh pointed out. "We had lights, again, solar-powered. And don't forget we had some entertainment. You can imagine how much that helped. We'd watch a movie some nights. It was nice."
"Then there was Josh's resourcefulness, amazing actually."
"Nikki, you're making me blush. In actuality, we kept each other going. Not sure that either one of us would have been able to survive alone."
The next morning they were up early, put Gale in her jogging stroller and went out for a run. She seemed to enjoy the speed and rocking motion. Returning an hour later, they took a shower and went down for breakfast. Diane made waffles with a side of fruit. Eating outside, they were enjoying the pleasant morning.
"Nikki, how does shopping sound? I would love to get Gale some things."
Nikki chuckled; between the grandmothers, Gale wouldn't need any clothes for months. "That would be great. I'd love to."
"Can we take Gale?"
"Of course!"
" Well, Josh, how about a spot of fishing, mate?" James asked.
"Sure, Dad. Just don't expect me to eat it!" They all laughed.
"You said that you ate fish mostly. How did you fish on the island?"
"Would you believe that in the pilot's survival pack there was a fishing kit? Sometimes one would get trapped in a tide pool, and I would spear it, like a caveman," he laughed.
"And the crab?" Diane asked.
"I used fish innards for bait, then a spear."
Diane and Nikki took care of the kitchen and then got ready to hit the mall.
"Will we be taking the stroller?" Diane wondered.
"It's too big and clumsy for the mall. At home we have a smaller one that Sally gave to us, we use for when we go out. I'll carry her in her chest carrier."
Josh helped to get the car seat situated and gave his girls a kiss. "Have fun!"
"You too," Nikki replied.
At the mall, Diane headed straight for the baby departments. "What does she need?"
"Honestly, nothing. Sally Blake brought us so much stuff that she had from her babies, so you have fun getting whatever you want."
Diane picked out a couple of outfits and onesies. She even found one that said ' My Mum is in the Navy' in a specialty shop. Then she bought her a koala bear that played music and some convenience things, like toy tethers for when she gets older.
Nikki found another sundress with a matching shrug sweater and another shirt for Josh. This one tan with blue and white frangipani. Then she found him some white pants.
" Lunch?" Diane asked her.
"Always ready," they both chuckled.
There was a nice pub not far from the mall where they could bring in Gales seat. They found a window table where they could people watch while they enjoyed toasted sandwiches and iced tea. Nikki took this time to give Gale a bottle then take her for a change.
On the boat... "Dad, this is really nice, thanks."
"No worries, Josh. I have to say that with all that you have been through, you both seem to have handled it well."
"We had each other, and I think some of the Navy's survival training paid off. Then with Nikki's pregnancy, we needed to stay positive. Dad, I'm so lucky to have her. For seven months I worried, and I couldn't let her see it. If I had lost her, or the baby..." he said, choking up a bit. I love her so very much."
"We can see that. We are very happy for you both. Do you ever miss the Navy?"
"Sometimes, the work was interesting but also heart wrenching when you would see those poor people struggling just to survive. And the depravity that people inflicted on others was distressing. The mates were great, and we had some good times. And, of course, the best part...finding Nikki. But getting out meant that we could be together, in the open. No more hiding our feelings."
The afternoon passed pleasantly for all of them. When Nikki and Diane returned home, Josh and James were enjoying some beers and chatting. "Hey Luv," Nikki said, going over to him and giving him a quick kiss.
"Have fun?" he asked.
"Lot's. Wait until you see what we bought! Gale is going to be the best-dressed baby girl in all of Queensland. Would you help bring the bags up?"
Nikki shows off her gifts while Josh feeds Gale and gives her a change. Then Nikki dressed her in one of her new outfits.
"Another great shirt! Thanks, Babe. Both shirts will look good with the white pants."
Nikki hung the shirt, and went to Josh, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
After feeding Gale, Josh settled her in the crib for a nap, and they laid down themselves for a bit. Snuggling under the coverlet, Nikki kissed the sweet spot where his neck meets his shoulders, "I love you, Holiday."
"And I never get tired of hearing you say it, and I so love you." Wrapping his arms around her, listening to their baby coo, they fell asleep.
It was 4:00 when Josh woke and found Nikki and the baby still asleep; he left the room quietly and wandered downstairs. Going into the kitchen, he got a beer and then found his way to the living room and over to the piano. After playing at Nikki's parents, he remembered how much he enjoyed it. He started by playing the old Beatles song, " Hey Jude", softly. Then he started running through some of his favourite songs.
Nikki came in a few minutes later. Josh turned, looked at her, smiled and started playing & singing Elton John's ' Your Song'..
It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside...
I'm not one of those who can easily hide,
I don't have much money but boy if I did,
I'd buy a big house where we both could live …
Gale was on her mat, and Nikki joined Josh on the piano bench.
Leaning over, he kissed her, " Hello, Luv." Then he continued with the next verse.
"I just love hearing you play."
James and Diane had been sitting outside. "Do I hear the piano?" Diane asked Jim, getting up to see who was playing.
Finishing Elton John, he moved onto that first melody that he had played at the Caetano's, Nikki joining in with the harmony.
"They are just so sweet together," Diane says quietly as they went to sit on the couch continue to listen.
With the music from the piano, they hadn't heard Jim and Diane come in and were surprised at the clapping when the song was over.
"Josh! You can still play!" his mother exclaimed.
"I played at Nikki's parents. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it."
"And Nikki, you play too!"
"Yeah, mandatory lessons when I was young. But I've come to enjoy playing too."
They played together for another half hour or so. "That was great, Babe," giving her a kiss.
"Really, Josh," his Dad says, "You've still got it!"
"Okay, well, your sisters will be here soon, so I need to get started on dinner," Diane said.
"Can I help?" Nikki asked.
"That's not necessary; take care of Gale."
"Josh can watch Gale. There must be something I could do for you."
"I've got this, Mum," Josh says, scooping up Gale.
"Alright then, Nikki, would you peel potatoes for the potato salad?"
"Of course," following Diane into the kitchen.
Nikki and Diane worked side by side as if they had done it many times before. After the potatoes, they put together a salad and arranged the burgers and snags on one plate and the rolls and bread on another. Diane cooked up some bacon and put that on a plate with some cheese. There was also sliced tomato, onion, and lettuce for the burgers and some dressings.
With the kitchen prep complete, it was time to relax before Amanda and Stacy arrived.
"The girls aren't to be here for another hour or so; why don't you and Josh go for a swim. With the nights getting cooler, we've turned on the heater. The water should be pleasant. I'll look after Gale for you."
" That sounds nice. I'll go and hunt him down." Nikki said.
"Hey, there you are," finding Josh outback with his Dad. "How about a swim?"
" Sounds good."
"You're Mum wants to look after Gale," Nikki said, smiling. "I think she may have suggested the swim just for that reason."
Laughing, "of course she did. I'll bring her seat in for her and meet you in the pool house."
" Sure, I'll get our bathers and see you there."
"The water is wonderful," Nikki said as she floated next to Josh.
"Not as wonderful as who's in it,"
"Josh, you're such a sap, don't stop," she said, laughing.
Josh swam a couple of laps, and then they raced with Nikki, just barely beating him.
"That's only because I was tired from doing laps."
"Don't be a sore loser," Nikki laughed as they just floated on their backs, holding hands feeling content.
While they were still in the pool, Josh's older sister, Amanda, arrived.
"Hey, Mum!"
"Hi, honey."
"Where's Josh and Nikki?"
"Probably still in the pool. I had to shoo Nikki away from the kitchen."
"I'm going down and see them, then I'll be back to help."
"No rush; everything is ready except the table."
Gale had fallen asleep, and Amanda didn't see her until Diane went over to her seat to bring her outside with them.
"OH MY GOSH! This must be Gale! She's adorable! Is she a good baby?"
"She sure is," Diane answered, "Maybe because they were so close during her first few months, but she is a little angel."
"I'm going down to the pool."
"Good."
Approaching the pool, she catches them kissing, well, making out really. Remembering the last time they visited… " Don't you two ever stop?"
"Amanda!" Josh shouts. "And no, I guess we don't," chuckling.
Amanda laughed and then cried. "Josh, I just can't believe that you both are actually here, little brother. Now get out of there and give me a hug."
Josh and Nikki left the pool, and they all embraced and cried, getting Amanda a bit wet.
"Amanda, it's so great to see you," Nikki says. "Did you see our little one?"
" I did; she's sleeping and looking like a sweet little angel."
Josh and Nikki were glowing, "She's pretty special."
"You'll tell us all about what happened, I hope."
"We will, over dinner, so we only have to tell it once," Josh told her.
"So, where's Luca and the kids?" Josh asked.
"Luca's up with Dad getting the grill ready. The kids are up at the house and anxious to see their Uncle Josh and Aunt Nikki."
"Well, then, we'll get changed and meet you up there," they headed into the bathhouse to change, drying each other off between kisses and then got dressed.
"Amanda was right," Josh says, "we don't ever stop," then he kissed her again.
"No, and I don't want to either," as she kisses him back.
Finally dressed, they left the bathhouse, hung their bathers and towels and made their way back to the house. Nikki went straight over to Gale, who is sitting quite contentedly in her chair. She bends and kisses her on the head.
"Diane, are you sure that there isn't anything that I can do?"
"Everything is ready. You could help Amanda set the table if you like."
" Sure, love to."
"I'm going to see how Dad is coming along and say hello to Luca," said Josh.
Before Josh had a chance to head to the grill, two little whirlwinds came running.
"Uncle Josh! Uncle Josh!"
Josh stooped down and caught them both as they ran to him. "Hey, little munchkins!" kissing them both on the head, "I've missed you guys!"
"We missed you too, Uncle Josh," said Brian.
"Me too! Me Too!" added Izzy.
"You guys have had birthdays since I last saw you. You're getting so big. Brian, how old are you now, mate?"
"Seven."
"Seven, wow."
"And you sweetcakes? Did you have a birthday too?"
" I'm four!"
"What a big girl you are."
"Uncle Josh, we thought that you were never coming home. That you were lost." Brian said.
" We were lost, but we got lucky, and the Navy found us."
"I don't want to be lost," said Izzy.
"No, but you stay close to those who love you, and you will never be lost," kissing her on the head.
"Will you kick the footy around with us?"
"Tell you what, after dinner, I'll kick it around with you. Maybe we can get your Dad and grandpa to play. Maybe even the ladies. Right now I'm going to check on Grandpa and your Dad. Okay?"
"Alright!"
Little Izzy reached up and took his hand, "I want to come too."
" Well, sure, come on then," heading over to his Dad and Luca.
"Josh, mate! Welcome home! This is unbelievable! Where's the beautiful Nikki?" Luca said with a handshake and a back-slapping hug.
"She's with Mum and Amanda. Do you know when Stacy is supposed to get here?"
" She gets off her shift at the hospital at 3:30. I imagine she'll go home and change first."
" I am so happy that she finished Uni and got her nursing degree. She's wanted that for so long."
" She seems very happy," Jim adds.
"Speak of the Devil…" Luca says as he spots Stacy coming towards them at a run.
Josh turned just in time to catch her.
"Oh my God, Josh!" she said, crying. "My God! You're really here!"
Josh grabbed onto her and hugged her tight, and then a kiss on the cheek.
Wiping her tears, "It's so good to see you, Sis. Congratulations on your Nursing Degree. You're liking it?"
" I love it. Is Nikki in the house?"
"Yeah, with Mum and Amanda, and the little Poppet."
" Oh My! I've got to go see her! Will you come?"
"Sure, let's go."
Amanda and Nikki had just started carrying plates and flatware out to the patio when Stacy and Josh arrived.
"Nikki!" Stacy called out as she ran up to her.
Nikki quickly put down what she was carrying and joined Stacy in a serious hug. "This is just incredible! Nikki, it's so amazing that you and Josh are home! It's like a miracle!"
"I have to say that we were beginning to have our doubts about ever getting off that island," Nikki said. "The thought of it was overwhelming."
"I hear that there is someone that I need to meet."
"Let me bring her out," Nikki said.
"I'll go, Nikki," Josh said and walked into the kitchen. He returned a moment later carrying Gale with his Mum right behind him.
"She's so beautiful! Her name is Gale, right? How old is she now?"
"Just 3 months," Nikki answered.
"Would Aunty Stacy like to hold her?" Josh asked.
"You know it!"
"Meet Gale Marie Holiday," Josh said as he passed her to Stacy.
Stacy immediately started the ' baby bounce' as she cooed and talked to Gale. The kids came running up just then, "Can we see?"
Stacy stooped down for them to see the baby, "Meet your new baby cousin."
"Hi, little baby," Izzy said. "When can she play?"
They all chuckled, "Not for some time yet," Nikki said.
" She's cute," said Brian.
James called out that the food was just about ready, so they all started carrying the rest of the food from the kitchen.
Once everyone was settled around the table, Jim asked everyone to join hands to be thankful that Josh, Nikki, and their little one were returned safely.
"Okay, we all want to hear what happened," Amanda said.
Josh started, and he and Nikki told their story together. When they finished, the family was momentarily speechless. Then the questions began.
"You weren't hurt in the crash?" Amanda asked.
"No… Nikki knocked her head pretty good and was unconscious for a few minutes. Felt like hours, but that was all. Some bruises."
"That's crazy lucky," Luca remarked.
"So, you ate fish and crab for over a year?" Stacy asked. "Bet that you never want to see fish or crab again!"
"You could say that," Nikki said, chuckling.
" I can't believe that Gale was born during a cyclone! That's just amazing!" exclaimed Amanda.
" Yeah, just our incredible luck," Josh replied.
" Seeing the ship, you must have thought you saw a mirage!"
" We were momentarily stunned. My heart was pounding, hoping that they would see our flares." related Josh.
"You can't imagine the feeling we had when we saw the ship changing course straight for the island," Nikki added.
Nikki took out the phone and passed it to Amanda, who was on her right, "Here are some pictures that we took."
"You took pictures? How?" Luca wondered.
"We obviously didn't have service, but the camera function still worked. And because we were on our way to a remote camping trip, I had packed a couple of solar chargers," explained Josh.
"These are wonderful! Nikki, you looked so beautiful when you married. And the family pictures! Priceless!" Amanda declared with everyone else was in agreement.
Diane got teary again with the telling of their story said, "God! It's just so wonderful to have you back and with a surprise gift too!"
"Now," Amanda says, "speaking of gifts, we have some gifts for you two, I mean three."
Stacy and Amanda left the table and returned shortly with their arms loaded with wrapped packages.
"OH MY! What's all this?" Nikki exclaimed, "You didn't have to do this!" exclaimed Nikki.
"Come on now, of course, we did. We missed out on wedding and baby showers. Indulge us!" said Amanda.
They all gathered around on the patio furniture. Josh sat in a lounge with Nikki sitting in front of him. While Diane held Gale, Nikki proceeded to open their gifts.
They had bought them a Cot Mobile with tiny whales, some more little girly outfits, a handmade coverlet, some children's books. Then as a surprise for Nikki ( and Josh), a tiny white negligee.
"Thank you all. This was such a surprise and so sweet," Nikki said.
Then Josh being funny, lifted the negligee from the box, holding it up, "Really, thank you!" making everyone laugh.
"Uncle Josh! Can we kick the footy now?" Brian asked excitedly.
"Yup! Luca, Dad, join in for some footy?"
Getting up, "You bet! Brian, go get the ball," his father said.
The girls went in to clean up while the boys entertained the kids.
The kitchen sorted out; Diane put on coffee and water for tea and brought out the Pavlova. Once everything was set, Diane called the boys in for dessert.
Later in the evening, his sisters were getting ready to leave; "Josh, Nikki, we're going to see you again soon, I hope," Amanda said, hugging them both then giving Gale a kiss on her forehead.
" We'll try. Nikki will be back on active duty, so travel time will be limited. But we'll try and work something out."
" I will sometimes get longer shore leaves. We may be able to fit something in then," Nikki added.
Stacy hugged her brother, "Be safe big bro. I don't ever want to go through that again."
" Neither do we," Josh said. "Love you, sis."
"Love you too."
As his sisters pulled out of the driveway, Josh turned to his mother, "Mum, would you watch Gale for a little bit while Nikki and I go for a walk?"
"Of course, we'll be fine. Enjoy."
Diane took Gale, and she and Jim went back into the house. Holding hands Josh and Nikki headed down the street towards the marina. Sitting on a bench, Josh put his arm around Nikki and pulled her close. Then kissed her deeply.
"I've had such a nice time with your family. They're so relaxed," Nikki remarked.
"I wish that it had gone better for you, Luv."
"No worries, I've come to expect it from my Mum. Dad… Dad has lightened up a lot." laughing.
"Ready to head back?" kissing her temple.
"Sure."
When they got back to the house, Gale was asleep in her cot. They went upstairs to see her, standing over the cot for a moment just watching their baby sleep. Josh reached out and softly touched her cheek, "Sweet dreams little Poppet."
Nikki kissed her fingers then touched them to her head.
Picking up Nikki's hand, Josh brought it up and kissed her knuckles. Holding hands, they left the room and went downstairs. When they found Diane, she was in the kitchen getting out ice cream. " Would you two like some? It's chocolate chunk."
"That sounds awesome, Diane, thanks."
"I'd love some, Mum."
They took their ice cream into the living room. " Mum," Josh said, " this is one of the big things that we missed being stuck on that island."
"Emmm, ice cream!" Nikki said between bites.
They visited for a while longer then excused themselves to go to bed. After showering together, they took their passion to bed.
It's their final day before heading back to Cairns. "Would you two like to go out today? I thought the Royal Botanic Gardens and maybe Moonlit Sanctuary, both will be great excursions with Gale," Diane suggests.
"Either sounds perfect," Nikki told her.
"We can get some dinner out after," James added.
"Beauty! We'll get little Poppet ready. Surprise us, take us on a mystery ride," Josh told them.
Nikki packed their nappy pack while Josh got Gale changed and dressed, then they met his parents downstairs.
"I'll put her stroller in the boot and set up her car seat," Josh said.
" Alright! Let's go!" Jim said after everyone was in the car.
One hour later, they arrived at Moonlit Sanctuary. "I thought we could start here, and then if there is time we can take in the Botanic Gardens," Jim explained.
The family spent the next few hours exploring the park, feeding and petting koalas and enjoying all of the wildlife that could be seen there.
Jim found a nice spot for some lunch with outside tables. After lunch, it was an hour back and on to the Botanic Gardens.
They spent a leisurely afternoon at the Gardens, and they were all ready for dinner. James and Diane picked a quiet pub, again with outside dining. Nikki and Josh had burgers with chips and cake and ice cream. They gave Gale little tastes of ice cream, laughing at her expression when she felt the cold.
While cuddling in bed, "are you looking forward to going home?" Josh asked.
"Yeah, I am. I'm a little nervous about going back to work, though. It feels so strange."
"You know that you don't have to. I'll find something."
"I know, and I love that you would, but I'm still not ready to give up the Navy. I really love navigating the sea."
"I know you do, Babe, and we'll be fine, and then... well…I just love the homecomings," Josh said with a smirk.
Nikki laughed, "let's practice."
"Oh yeah, let's," kissing her.
Diane and James were talking in bed, "What a lovely day! I just love seeing them together; they really have something special. They're such attentive parents!" Diane said.
"It was nice. Josh has surprised me; he is a wonderful father. Thirty-five, and he's finally grown up." Jim chuckled.
"It's sad to see them go. I'm going to miss them."
"It really has been nice having them around," Jim said. "It's still amazing to me that they are even here, that we got them back."
It's Friday, and they will be heading back to Cairns. That morning they got up when Gale did, took care of her needs and then went for their run. They ran towards the marina, through the park and then back, getting home at 7:30.
"Did you have a nice run?" Diane asked Nikki when she came into the house. " Where's Josh?"
"He's putting the stroller in the car."
"You must be ready for breakfast."
"Yeah, we are," smiling, "It's been such a treat being pampered. We'll go up and shower and be right down. I'm starving, and I'm sure that Josh is too."
"Josh is too what?" Josh said, coming into the kitchen.
"Starving!" They both said at the same time.
" You two know me well."
"Can we leave Gale with you?"
"Twist my arm," Diane answered, laughing, then, "you know you don't need to ask. Go have your shower; you're a bit feisty. Breakfast will be ready when you come down."
Fifteen minutes later, they sat down to a breakfast of eggs, bacon, snags, muffins, juice and coffee.
"What did you have for breakfast on the island?" Diane wondered.
"Fruit, fruit, and more fruit, coconut milk and coconut meat," Nikki answered between bites.
"What did you do for protein?"
"Fish, fish, and more fish," Josh replied, laughing.
"That must have been hard."
"Wouldn't do any good complaining about it. You're hungry; you eat," said Nikki. We tried to mix it up by making sauces using the fruit coconut milk. It helped some. Josh would bake the fish by burying the pan in the coals."
"Nikki made a papaya relish that was really pretty good," Josh added
"Clever!" Diane said.
"The first month, we rationed the food that we had brought with us camping. So we had dehydrated eggs, oatmeal, some pop tarts, dried fruit and nuts. We had noodles, dehydrated soups, instant mac and cheese and such: coffee, tea and Tim Tams. Until it ran out. We spaced out using it to make it last longer."
"Mum, where's Dad?"
"He had to go downtown to the bank. He'll be back soon. What time are you leaving for the airport?"
"We need to head out around noon. The flight is at 2:00. We like to give ourselves extra time so that there isn't any stress at the airport with having to return the car and check the bags. And then there's security; you never know what that line will be like."
"Shall I pack some sandwiches for you?"
"No thanks, Mum. We'll grab something at the airport."
"Do you use the stroller in the terminal?"
"We will this time, we decided it might be easier than the chest carrier, and we can check it at the gate," Nikki said.
Nikki was sitting at the table holding Gale, and Josh snuck out his phone and took a picture.
"I couldn't help but wonder if there was a significance to the spelling of Gale's name."
Nikki smiled, "Josh named her when she was born as the gale-force winds were blowing outside."
"Josh! That's so perfect!"
"We thought so," Josh said with a grin.
Nikki helped Diane sort out the kitchen then went to their room to pack. With all of the gifts, she needed another suitcase and asked Diane to borrow one.
When she was finished, she found Josh playing the piano. Going over to him, she put her arms around him and kissed his neck. "
The bags are ready whenever you are. We ended up with an extra one with all of our booty."
Josh chuckled, "Alright, Luv."
When James returned from the bank, he found them sitting on the patio having another brew. He grabbed one for himself and joined them.
"Hey, Dad, there you are," said Josh smiling.
Sitting down he leaned forward, "Josh, Nikki, as I'm sure that you found out at Nikki's parents, there was a court-ordered trust set up from the liquidation of assets to be held for five years or until you were found. Josh, we closed your accounts and sold your car and other things that were of value. I went to the bank this morning to close the trust and get your check. The bank manager suggested that we hold off until you get home and are able to provide the account and routing numbers for the account you want the funds deposited into. Then we can wire the funds directly instead of you carrying such a large check with you."
"That's perfect, Dad. How much are we talking?"
"$42,000."
"Crikey!"
"Well, now it's looking like we can start looking for a townhouse when we get back," Nikki said excitedly. "We'll be able to put down the deposit and get some furniture."
Josh became quiet and thoughtful for a minute, "The one good thing, no two good things," he said, leaning over and kissing Gale on the head, "that came from all of this is the money that we have for a new start. With the trusts and Nikki's back pay, we're going to be alright."
"We're happy for you. You deserve it. And having you back with us…" Diane started to cry. "I'm sorry, I still get soppy over it all from time to time. It was such a horrible year."
"It's okay, Mum. Happens to us too."
As 12:00 approached, Josh loaded the car, and they said goodbye. Diane and Jim held Gale one last time. " I'm sure going to miss you, little one," Diane said.
"We'll skype often," Nikki told them, "and we'll try and get back for another visit soon."
" Maybe we could come up to you?"
"Absolutely, we could plan it for when I had extended shore leave."
Once Gale was situated in her car seat, they climbed into the car, said more goodbyes and then Josh drove off.
They were quiet and lost in their own thoughts for most of the ride to the airport. Once at the airport, Josh did curbside check-in for their luggage then they returned the car. Getting Gale settled in her stroller, they headed for the security check and the inner terminal.
Through security, there was an hour before they needed to be at their gate. "Time for lunch? I'm fairly hungry," Nikki said.
"Yeah, I could eat."
They decided on Pizza and got 2 slices each and cokes. After eating, it was changing time for Gale, and she was starting to get hungry. Once she was changed and wanting to save the formula for the takeoff, Nikki gave her some water to hold her for a little bit.
The flight home went smoothly. The taxi dropped them off at 4:30 pm.
" It was really great to spend time with family, but…"
"There's no place like home," Nikki finished for him.