AN: Happy new year every one, here is the first chapter for 2018

Ch 64

Early the next morning, Kate woke up early and smiled when she reached the bathroom, and the bathtub was still filled with water. She cleaned a bit the bathroom before getting back to bed.

"What were you doing in the bathroom?" he rasped barely opening his eyes to look at her.

"I needed to go. And found our mess," she grinned, and Mike smiled remembering what they did the night before

"Will it take long before the kids wake up?"

"The usual, why?"

"To know how much more TLC, we can squeeze in before the kids wake up," Kate laughed.

They made love slowly, carefully memorizing each other again for over an hour before getting up and having a shower together. While in there, they made love again before getting ready for their days. Kate fixed their room while Mike cleaned the bathroom before getting the kids ready.

Soon, the three kids were seated in their high chairs while they had breakfast. After that, they headed down to the beach while Emma and Mike enjoyed the water, and playing in the sand. Kate sat on a blanket with the twins.

"Boat, daddy," Emma said pointing to the sea. Mike looked up to see one patrol boat returning.

"Yes, Emma! That's a boat," Emma turned to Mike and smiled, one he could recognize as Kate's.

By lunchtime, they went back home and got cleaned before Kate made them something for lunch. During the afternoon, Mike kept the children distracted while Kate prepared their suitcases.

The night came too soon, and soon they were driving to the airport.

"Kate, who's going to meet you in Sydney?"

"Hannah. She has my wagon," Kate smiled. "Do you know how long your next patrol is going to be?"

"Won't know until tomorrow, it could be from three weeks to more than six weeks."

"Let me know when you get time off," Mike smiled

"I will. Hey, why is this suitcase so light?" Kate smiled

"I left some clothes behind in case we need to fly up in a hurry."

"Kate, nothing's going to happen to me."

"I know, but I can't help to worry," he knew what she felt, so he only leaned forward and kissed her.

They talked until her flight was called then, they stood up and walked to the gate. Kate presented the tickets, and the woman smiled at her.

"Mrs. Flynn, April and Laura here will help you with your children, ma'am."

"Thank you," Mike kissed each of the boys' forehead before passing them over to April and Laura. Then he kissed Emma's. "Bye, sweetie. Be good for mummy; I love you."

"Ok, daddy! Love you" she said half asleep. Then he kissed Kate.

"I love you."

"I love you more. Be careful out there."

"I will."

"Fair winds, Mike," he smiled and waved as she followed the flight attendants to the plane. He watched them board and waited until it took off before he returned home. On Sydney, Kate was helped by two flight attendants, until she found Hannah.

"Kate!" She called over, pushing the stroller towards them.

"Hannah," Kate said as she walked over to her.

"You look tired," Hannah said

"Gee, thanks."

"Here, you can put the boys in here," Hannah pointed to the women helping Kate.

"Thank you for your help," Kate smiled at them.

"You are welcome, ma'am."

"Come on, let's go get your bags and head home."

"Sounds good to me." She grimaced. "I need to stop off at the grocery store before home."

"Sure."

"How's Mike?"

"Good, he was very happy to see us."

"I'll bet. He has hardly seen you or the kids."

"I know, it's frustrating, but there still are no openings in Cairns."

"At least you both try to see each other when you both get time."

"I know, sometimes I wonder if that's enough for the kids."

"If it's not, still is the best you can do, Kate. Don't beat yourself up for something you can't change." Hannah told her, "What did you do over the weekend?" Hannah asked making Kate laugh

"We went shopping, down to the beach for few hours. Doing what families do."

"and lots of TLC at night," Hannah grinned.

"I' won't say more," Kate laughed. "What about you and Brad? I heard that you left the kids with mom and dad," Kate wriggled her eyebrows.

"Damnit!" Hannah blushed. "Brad and I were alone for the weekend; we went to a hotel for two nights" Kate grinned

"And?"

"And what?"

"Come on! Did you even leave the room?" Kate asked making Hannah blush further. "You didn't! And here you are mocking me about my weekend."

"Alright, alright! I won't tease anymore," Kate laughed "How is his job hunting coming along?"

"He's got three interviews this week."

"Well good luck."

"Thanks"

"Hey, if you like I could ask Mike to send Cairns paper, I noticed heaps of jobs in there."

"That will be nice, thanks. In the meanwhile, we shall see what happens here."

After stopping at the supermarket, Hannah helped Kate with the sleeping kids, groceries, and bags before calling a cab.

"I'll better get going my taxi will be here soon."

"Thanks for helping me, Hannah."

"No worries," they hugged before Kate walked her to the door. "Call if you need anything, Kate."

"I will."

Kate watched as the doors of the elevator closed with Hannah inside before she closed the door of her condo. She got ready for the next day, before starting her night routine. Once in bed, she called Mike to let him know they were all set for the night and finally, she fell asleep.

The next morning, Mike walked into NAVCOM to see Steve who was in his office talking to a Lieutenant. Steve spotted Mike and waved him in.

"Morning Steve," Mike smiled at his old friend

"Mike, you look good," Steve said knowingly.

"I am."

"Mike, this is your new XO, Lieutenant Miles. Lieutenant this is Lieutenant Commander Flynn, Captain of Hammersley."

"Lieutenant," Mike said offering his hand

"Sir," Miles answered shaking his hand.

"Shall we get started?"

After that, they took a seat and started their meeting. Steve told them about the latest FFV and what boats look out for the feds interests. After they finished the meeting, Steve walked them out of the office.

"So, Mike," he called making him stop by the door. "Did you rest up during the weekend?"

"I got just what I needed after the last patrol" Steve smiled

"So, you got plenty of McGregor TLC as she promised?"

"You know that's never enough." Mike grinned.

"Well, I'm sure the crew will be happy to have you so well rested," Steve grinned mischievously.

"Yes, they will. I checked on Buffer and ET last night, they are going to be fine, but they are on light duties for the next couple more days."

"Yes, I know, I'll let you go, Mike, fair winds."

"Thanks, Steve."

"Sir?" Lieutenant Miles joined him. "Is this McGregor woman your mistress?" Mike grabbed the guy arm and glared at him.

"Lieutenant," Mike hissed. "My private life is something you don't get to talk about. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Behave accordingly, and this won't be your last patrol with me." Mike released the grip on Miles' arms and put his hat on before walking out.

A few hours later, Hammersley left for its three-week patrol. The Lieutenant met the crew while already out in the sea. Miles joined the crew for dinner. The crew was talking and laughing while reminiscing about the things they did during shore leave.

"Have any of you noticed how happy the captain looks?" Charge asked

"Yeah! Hell, of a lot better than last week, not that I'm complaining about his joy" ET grinned

"I know why he's in a happy mood," Miles commented becoming the center of attention quickly.

"No, you wouldn't know. You've known the captain for a couple of hours, some of us have been working with him forever now," Buffer said

"Well, I do. It's not my fault that the captain and Commander Marshal were talking about the captain weekend and how he got plenty of TLC from his mistress, a whore called McGregor," he smirked.

"With all due respect, sir" Buffer interrupted him, hissing the last word. "You know nothing about Lieutenant Commander Flynn, and no matter what the hell he does with his private life while on leave it has nothing to do with you or any of us. You should respect your Captain." He finished standing up and picking his plate and cutlery; he walked out of the dining room.

All the others followed Buffer's lead, the last one to leave was Swain who turned around to give Miles one last look. He shook his head.

"Sir, we all have the utmost respect for Lieutenant Commander Flynn, and if I were you, I would watch what I said. The Hammersley's crew is the closest you'll get to a second family and Buffer's right. I wouldn't be surprised if Buffer tells what you said to the Captain, mate."

"What he can do if what I've said it's the truth?" Swain huffed

"You, sir, are completely wrong. You are lucky you will have to deal with the Captain and not with his wife."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Miles asked loudly, but Swain turned when he heard footsteps getting closer. He wasn't surprised when an angry Mike Flynn walked into the dining room followed close by Buffer

"Lieutenant, If I recall correctly I've already explained to you that my private life is private," Mike growled. "When this patrol is over I want you off my ship. Until then keep your nose clean and mouth shut unless someone asks you a question, did I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"And before you keep making a fool of yourself, let me clarify you something, the McGregor you think is my mistress is, in fact, my wife and your coworker Lieutenant Kate McGregor." Swain and Buffer saw the Lieutenant pale

"Lieutenant Kate McGregor? As in princess perfect McGregor?" he stuttered, Mike smirked

"Yes. And now you know she's my wife."

"Captain to the bridge," was heard over the PA system, Mike turned around and walked out of the dining room

"Thank a lot, Lieutenant. Now we are going to have to deal with grumpy Captain over the next three weeks," Buffer muttered before he and Swain finally left the room.

"Buffer," Swain called making him stop.

"What's up?"

"We need to talk to RO."

"About what?" Buffer frowned

"To see if he can send a message to Commander Marshal, he might be able to contact Lieutenant McGregor, and she might be able to talk to the boss. It might calm him down" Buffer grinned

"Those are a lot of might's, Swain. But we lose nothing by trying, I'm sure RO will do it gladly."

"RO," they called when they reached him. "We've got a special request."

"If it's a message you'll have to wait"

"RO... mate… I think you will want to send this message," Swain said smiling