July 8th:

Nikki's first month back on duty is up and Dr Holmes has given her clearance to return to sea duty. When she returned to NAVCOM after her appointment with Dr Holmes, Mike called her into his office. Knocking on his door, she steps in and salutes.

"Nikki! Come on in."

"Commander," standing at attention.

"Relax, and have a seat. How would you feel about going back to Hammersley? Would you be comfortable with that?"

"I'd love to get back on Hammersley... but what about Beech? It wouldn't feel right to displace him."

"In two weeks this rotation ends. LT Beechum has indicated that he wants to move to a frigate."

" Okay…"

" So, I'll keep you here until then and then you'll go back to Hammersley."

" I don't know what to say," smiling. " Thank you, Sir!"

" You're welcome Nikki, I know that there are pros and cons to you returning to Hammersley, but I think that all of the familiar faces and being on a familiar ship will help you to settle back in. Now, take an early mark and go spend some time with Josh and your beautiful little girl."

"Thank you!" Nikki saluted and left the office to go and call Josh.

"Hey, Babe, what's up?" Josh answered. It was unusual for her to call during the day.

" I've been dismissed for the day. Can you pick me up or do you need me to take a taxi?"

"No taxi, we'll be right there."

Fifteen minutes later, Josh pulled up in front of NAVCOM. Nikki had been waiting on a bench in the shade and stood as his car approached. As soon as she was in the car, she leaned across the console to kiss Josh hello.

"How's your day?" Nikki asked him.

"Good, very routine, well though, I have to say that this is a nice distraction," smiling at her. " Just a routine day, went for a walk to the park. I put a lasagna together for dinner."

" That sounds fabulous! Are you up to going to the beach for a little while?"

"That should be my question to you, you've been at work."

"And you haven't? You've probably done more already than I have. So what do you say, Super Dad?"

Laughing, " Yeah, sounds nice. We can put the lasagna in the oven when we get back."

" Mike called me into the office and offered me, Hammersley."

" Wow, Nikki, that's fantastic. How do you feel about that? All good?"

" Absolutely, it will be like a second homecoming, all of those friendly faces. And… a bonus...two more weeks shore duty."

"Because? Not that I'm complaining."

" In two weeks it will be the end of the rotation. Beech wants a frigate; I think he's going to Newcastle. Mike said that he's the only big change, except for a couple of Junior Sailors the crew will remain the same."

Josh pulled into the garage, and they went in to get changed for the beach. He added a few extras to Gales nappy pack, got a bouncy seat and her pack carrier.

They found a shady place to lay down their blanket, got Gale settled into her carrier, and applied sunscreen. Nikki attached a light baby blanket to the carrier to cover over Gale while they walked in the water hand in hand down the beach. Returning to their blanket they lay back with Gale between them just relaxing and listening to the waves. Josh turned on his side, facing Nikki with his head propped up in his hand.

" Josh, what are you doing?" Nikki asked, putting down her book.

"Just enjoying the view," he replied while gazing at Nikki in her swimmer.

At this, Nikki turned on her side and mimicked his position, " I could say the same," admiring her fit husband.

Josh laughed, " We should probably get going otherwise wise we'll be eating at 8:00."

"Well, that won't do. I'm pretty hungry now."

Once they got home, Josh put the lasagna in the oven and then went upstairs. Nikki gave Gale a quick bath to rinse off any sand then fed her and put her down in her cot while Josh was sorting out the nappy pack.

"I'm heading for the shower."

"Company?" Josh grinned.

" I could use some help with my back," walking towards their room while looking over her shoulder giving him a teasing look.

Stripping out of their beach clothes, they decided on the spa tub instead. Getting in the tub, Nikki nestled her back up against Josh's chest. They relaxed, washed and caressed thoroughly enjoying their closeness.

After they got dressed, they peeked in on Gale and went downstairs. Nikki poured them a glass of wine while Josh checked on dinner.

"We've got about 35 minutes," he said as they went outside to sit.

" You've got the table set already!"

"Just call me 'Martha Stewart'." he laughed.

The oven timer sounded, and Josh got up. Nikki went to get up too.

"I've got this, just get comfy at the table and I'll be right out."

He put the Lasagna, salad, bread and drinks on a tray and carried it out.

Taking a bite... " Josh, this is wonderful!"

"I emailed your Mum," he said with a grin.

"Well, you did a fabulous job putting it together."

"Why thank you, my dear."

After they were finished eating, they stayed at the table just talking.

When he got up to clear the dishes, Nikki got up too. "You don't have to do that. Why don't you go and make yourself comfy, this won't take long."

"No… I'm home, I'll help. There's no need for you to do everything."

"It's all good."

"Josh...no. We'll do it together."

As they were working together in the kitchen, Gale woke up.

"Saved by the crying baby," Josh chuckled. " Nikki, really, I'll finish up here. Go take care of little Poppet."

Nikki put down the cloth she was cleaning with and put her arms around her husband. " I say a thank you every day for having met you." She kissed him quick and went off to care for Gale.

July 22nd:

Her last two weeks onshore passed quickly, and it was time to report to Hammersley. Receiving her orders, she was to report to the ship at 0700 for a 0900 departure.

They got up at 5:00 and went out for their run. Running for only a half-hour instead of their usual hour. Getting back, Nikki went to the shower, and Josh made her a special breakfast for her first day back at sea.

Coming out of the shower, she got dressed and packed her sea bag. Josh had made copies of a couple of their favourite pictures, framed them and then had snuck them into her bag, she found them as she was packing, *...Josh…* she says to herself, smiling and feeling so much love.

Nikki carried her seabag down to the entry and then went to see what Josh was up to in the kitchen. Going behind him, she put her arms around his waist. He turned around and pulled her close. Rising on her toes, she kissed him.

"Josh, you're so sweet. Thank you for the pictures."

Beaming, " Your welcome, Luv. Now, breakfast is ready; let's not let it get cold. Go… sit."

Gale had been in the kitchen with Josh, and they moved her closer to the table. He brought fried eggs, sausage, and pancakes to the table, coffee and juice.

"My God, Josh, do you think that Bomber won't feed me?"

"Just want to give you a proper send-off is all."

It was 6:10. "Nikki you have just enough time to feed Poppet if you like and I'll sort out the kitchen."

Nikki picked her up and cuddled her close while Josh got her a bottle. "Mummy is going to miss you so much," she said, giving her kisses. Sitting in the rocking chair, she rocked as she talked to Gale and she gave her her bottle.

Gale and Josh finished up at just about the same time; it was 6:45. "Well, I guess we best be going."

"Mummy's going to miss you and Daddy so much," kissing her on the head.

"And we're going to miss you too. We haven't been apart for more than a few hours in over a year."

Setting Gale into her seat, she went to Josh and hugged him close. " I love you so much."

" Right back, at'cha," kissing her deeply.

Nikki picked up Gale's car seat while Josh grabbed the seabag and they headed to the base. Stopping at the guard post to show their IDs, Josh then proceeded to the wharf to find a car space. Getting out of the car, Nikki got Gale while Josh took her seabag.

Nikki was having a cuddle, leaving her was really starting to hit home, and she couldn't help the quiet tears. Coming up next to her, Josh put the bag down and pulled her close then kissing her forehead. "It'll be okay. You'll be back before you know it. We'll skype, and I'll send lots of pictures."

" I know… You had better. I guess I wasn't expecting it to be this hard."

"Hell, it's your first time going out as a mother. You're entitled. It'll get better. I'd be the same way if it were reversed."

Nikki smiled and chuckled, " Mr sensitive, I know you would."

Kissing her again, " Ready?"

"Yup, ready," she said, wiping her eyes.

Buffer, Charge, Swain, Bomber, and Spider had been loitering around near the gangway waiting for Nikki to arrive so they could welcome her back.

As Nikki and Josh got close, they formed a line and snapped a salute.

With more tears, Nikki returned the salute.

"Welcome back, Nav," they all said. Then they gathered around saying hello to Josh and admiring Gale.

"Do you miss us, ET?" Buffer asked.

" Sometimes, yeah, I do. But I wouldn't trade what I have for anything."

"Amen to that, Mate," Swain said. " Sally said to tell you that if you need anything, and that includes a babysitter, to give her a call."

"Thanks, Swain, I'll keep that in mind."

Nikki had dressed her in her ' My Mum's in the Navy' onesie and the group laughed.

" That is the cutest thing," Bomber said.

"Josh's Mum found it when we were shopping."

It was time to board, and they left Josh and Nikki to say goodbye, but before Bomber could go, Nikki pulled her back. Bomber raised an eyebrow but then realised what Nikki wanted as Nikki passed Gale to her and then turned to Josh.

Embracing her, Josh kissed her deeply, " Goodbye Luv, stay safe, come home to us. We love you, never forget."

With tears again, " Oh, Josh… Bye, Baby, we'll talk soon." Then with one more kiss and a kiss for Gale, she walked up the gangway and onto Hammersley.

Bomber went to pass Gale back to Josh, when Josh asked her to wait one more minute as he took off at a jog for the car, returning just as quick with a small esky.

"What's this?" Bomber asked, this time successfully passing off Gale.

"A surprise for Nikki, a couple of cartons of her favourite Ben & Jerrys. Can you tuck it into the freezer for her? Later tonight, when I talk to her I'll tell her to find you."

Bomber chuckled, " You're something else. I sure didn't see this side of you when we were on the ship together. I'll be happy to."

"Well, keeping our secret was hard. Thanks, Bomber."

Bomber gave him a quick hug, picked up the esky and headed to the galley storage freezer.

As Josh prepared to leave, he looked back at the ship. Nikki had changed into her DPNU and looked just like he remembered her when they were on the ship together. She waved, he waved back, then she turned toward the bridge and Josh got Gale into the car.

It was 7:30, so they had another hour and a half before Hammersley scheduled to depart. Josh planned on watching from their balcony.

Making himself a coffee, he went up to his balcony with his little Poppet in tow. Getting out her tummy time mat, he set her on the floor while he fixed the bed. Nikki had picked out a comfortable indoor - outdoor carpet for their balcony to cover over the cement. Josh brought Gale outside with him setting her back down on her mat. He sipped his coffee as he watched his little girl reaching for the little bobbles that were tied to the mat. After some time on her tummy, he'll turn her to her back. Semi-reclined on the lounge Josh began reminiscing about being on Hammersley.

Gale started getting a little more active. It looked like she was doing little pushups, and that made Josh laugh. Getting out his phone, he decided to make a video for Nikki. While he was recording, she all of a sudden kicked herself over and onto her back.

" Holy Shit! Nikki, did you see that? Let's see if she'll do it again." Josh gently placed her back on her tummy where she promptly started kicking, and Josh caught her on video flipping herself over again.

He put down his phone and picked her up for kisses and cuddles, settling back in the lounge chair with her propped against his thighs.

"It's time Poppet, let's see Mummy off,'' picking up the binoculars that he keeps there. Hammersley's horn blew, and he could just hear it. Raising the glasses, he watched as she pulled away from the wharf and out into the harbour.

Hammersley:

Nikki's first day back turned out to be very routine as they headed out to their assigned patrol zone giving her time to reacquaint herself with the bridge.

Once they were out of the harbour, she took a break and went to stand on the fo'c'sle rail watching the sea and remembering all of the times that she and Josh did this very same thing soaking up each other's company while keeping their relationship a secret.

Looking down at her from the bridge, Swain decided to join her, make sure that she was all right. After all, he thought, those two were never apart and then add in the baby.

"Hey, Nikki!" he called out not wanting to startle her.

"Swaino! Hi."

"How's your day going? Not a lot going on to keep you busy."

" Good for getting reacquainted with the equipment. But, I'm settling in like I never left."

" Have you been thinking about Josh and Gale a lot? I mean it must be difficult with how close you have been over the last year."

"I have to admit that it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. Josh and I have so many memories on this boat. We never let things go beyond being friends while on the ship, we loved each other, but we managed to keep it professional. I have to admit, that was hard at times!" she said chuckling.

"Try and let those memories keep you company."

They stood there at the rail in quiet companionship for a few moments then Swain excused himself. " Swaino! Wait!"

"Nikki, what is it?"

"Would you take a picture for Josh?" handing him her phone.

"Be happy to."

Looking at her watch, it was coming up on 1600. To herself ( Time to get some SCRAN before watch and drop an email to Josh.)

Nikki went to the galley and got a salad. Unfortunately, Bomber had chosen fish for supper.

"Nav, that's all you want?" Bomber asked her.

"Sorry Bomber, can't eat fish."

"Oh Nav, I'm sorry, I didn't think."

"Bomber, it's ok, you're not cooking for me."

" Would you like a sandwich? I have some all made."

"That would be great."

"I have turkey. I'll bring one into the mess for you and some chips."

"Thanks, Bomber."

"No worries."

After SCRAN, Nikki went to her cabin to email Josh before her watch at 1800.

Josh's First Day:

Josh spent that first day pretty much like any other, following his routine and trying not to think about the fact that he wouldn't be picking up Nikki later at NAVCOM. ( God, I miss her already)

"Little Poppet, how about we go to the pub and get a sandwich for Daddy? Then we'll have your bottle and a walk through the park."

He got her changed, packed her nappy pack and they set out walking to one of the family-friendly pubs that were near the park. Sitting outside, Josh read while enjoying a burger, chips and a beer all the while watching Gale gurgle and coo trying to reach for her toys that were hanging in the stroller. Several people who were walking by stopped and admired Gale commenting on her very blue eyes while her proud Poppa beamed.

"Okay, Poppet," he said once he had finished his supper. Let's see if you need a change and then find a shady spot in the park for your supper."

Josh had taken several pictures throughout the day for Nikki. He was getting ready to take a selfie in front of a frangipani bush when he was approached by a couple that were walking their dog.

" Would you like me to take that for you?" the man asked.

"That would be very kind, thank you," Josh replied.

"This has to be your little one, she looks so much like you," the woman said.

"She is, this is Gale. She has a lot of her mother too," answering her with a smile.

An hour later, he was back at home with a sleeping baby. Lifting her out of the stroller he brought her to her room and laid her in her cot. Then taking out his phone, he took a picture of her sleeping.

Going into the kitchen, he got out a beer, picked up his laptop and went out onto the balcony to check his email. Seeing Nikki's email, he excitedly opened it.

* Hey Luv, the first day has been quiet; we haven't made it to our patrol zone yet. We should be there around 2400.

I found myself standing in our spot on the fo'c'sle this afternoon and couldn't help but to remember all of the time we spent there together... Remember that time that we almost broke our own rule and kissed behind the typhoon? Then that creepy dick Fulton walked up on us? Lots of memories on this boat.

With Kate now being Captain, I have our old cabin to myself, which suits me just fine. Don't get me wrong, I love Kate, but the privacy will be nice.

I have 'Last Dog Watch' so, sorry Luv, no skype tonight.

I'm attaching some pictures for you. Swain took one on the bridge and one on the bow. There's also a couple of the "guys" which include Bomber and Kate.

Sleepwell, kiss our baby,

Love you, Miss you, XXX 💖 OOO

Smiling with a goofy grin, Josh began writing his email back to her.

When Nikki got off watch, she headed straight for her cabin to look for Josh's email. She sat down at her desk, opened her laptop and his email.

**Luv, too bad about tonight's skype, but that's the Navy.

It was weird not going to get you at 4:00. I was really missing you. I walked to the pub near the park for a burger, and of course, Poppet managed to garner a lot of attention.

I gave her a bottle in the park then we walked for a bit. I was trying to take a selfie of us for you when this lovely couple who were walking their dog offered to take it for me. I'll be attaching several pictures for you.

I'm also attaching two videos, not going to tell you about them; you're just going to have to watch.

Okay, I've got our favourite ice cream, and I'm going to watch one of your favourite movies. It was 'Castaway', right?... Just kidding, 'Swerve'. I'm going to watch 'Swerve'.

Oh! Go find Bomber; she has something special for you from me.

I love you, Baby, keep safe, and I miss you more. 💝

Nikki opened the first video and screeched, " Oh MY GOD! I don't believe it!" as she watched her little girl roll herself over. ( That's just the way, my first day away and she does something remarkable ). Then the second video of her reaching for her toys had her smiling and crying at the same time. The picture of Josh and Gale in the park was her favourite, and she planned on getting that one enlarged and framed. Now, to find Bomber.

She went to her cabin, hoping that she was still awake. Knocking softly, "Bomber? Are you still up?" Nikki called out quietly.

" Yup, come on in Nav, I've been waiting for you."

"You have?"

"Sure, I knew Josh would tell you to come, and find me and I knew you were just getting off watch. I figure that you are right on time," Bomber said laughing.

"Come on, follow me," Bomber led her to the galley and then to the big freezer where she pulled out a carton on Ben & Jerry's 'Boom Chocolatta' ice cream. There was a note in a little baggie attached to the side.

"I don't believe that man! How did he ever pull this off without me knowing!"

"He's good," Bomber said. " And you are one very lucky woman."

"Yes, I am." Nikki opened the note…* Hi Babe, I wanted you to have some comfort food for your first patrol. There are two more cartons. I hope that will see you through until you get home. Enjoy and think of me. 💖 *

Bomber was watching as Nikki's eyes filled with tears. "As I've said, he sure is a keeper."

"Bomber, come back with me to my cabin, share this with me. Josh sent me some videos I'd love to show you and some pictures."

" Let me get the spoons!" Bomber said.

The following day business picked up for Hammersley. Over the next week, they averaged 2 FFV boardings a day, and they had attended to 5 mayday calls. One of those calls was to aid a group of Unis who had taken a couple of slabs and daddy's boat for a joy ride and got lost.

Nikki, Buffer, and Swain went over to sort things out. While Nikki was getting them squared away with a course back to port, Buffer and Swain looked over the boat.

"If you guys want to get back safely you best lay off the beer," Nikki told them.

Buffer and Swain returned to the wheelhouse just as Nikki finished explaining the course settings. " All's good with the boat, Ma'am," Buffer said.

" Good then, our work here is done. You guys, be smart. Follow that course and head home. And lay off the beer," Nikki said, then followed Buffer and Swain down into the RHIB.

Nikki had the morning watch that day, so she and Josh were able to Skype around 8:00 that evening.

Josh had been anxiously waiting for her call to come through when he heard it ringing. Picking up Gale and holding her in front of the camera, he answered.

"Hi, Luv!"

"Hey, Josh! What have you been up to?"

"Ahh, you know, morning jog, feed and change Poppet, not necessarily in that order, breakfast, clean, laundry, feed Poppet, lunch, nap, pool, feed Poppet… you get the picture," he says, laughing.

"So, how are you liking being a stay at home single Dad?"

"The stay at home part is okay, but I'm very much married. Thank you, very much, not single," said with a twinkle.

" How did you manage at the pool?"

"There's almost no one there in the late afternoon. I found a nice shady spot for Gale where I can see her. I'd swim a lap, take a quick peek and then swim another. It's not ideal but better than nothing. Just think before we know it she'll be going in the pool herself. Tell me, what's been happening with you?"

"We had another FFV today and a mayday. This Uni Kid took his dad's yacht out for a joy ride with his friends and a couple of slabs... Well, you can just imagine. They got off course and couldn't figure out how to get back to port."

Laughing, " So, LT, am I to assume that you used your mad skills and got them sorted out?"

"You know it! I finished the last of my ice cream, must be getting close to time to come home," Nikki said.

"Just five more days, but who's counting? I personally can't wait, our bed is awfully lonely," said with a cheeky grin.

They continued to talk for almost a half-hour then they signed off. " Hey, before you go, how about a tour of your space."

Nikki picked up her laptop and slowly moved it around her cabin. RO had printed a copy of the picture that Josh had sent of him and Gale in the Park. She had taped it up over her desk, their framed pictures were displayed on her desk and a coverlet from home on her rack.

"Looks fairly cozy."

"It'll do. Well, I best be going. I have reports from today to finish reading and to write my own. Little one, Mummy misses you so much, when daddy kisses you it's from me too."

" Love you, Babe. Miss you."

" Love you too, Josh. Miss you too."