"Well at least you've got a good head on your shoulders." He says to her.
"Look, we shall head off now and let you two get some rest. I presume you both have work tomorrow?" Neil says.
"I do. Kate is on shore leave and does not need to work." Mike says to Neil as the three get up and start to head back downstairs.
"We will give you a few days. No… take as much time as you need. You have our numbers to contact us. Just give us a ring if you want to meet up." Neil says to his daughter taking into account what Helen said to him before they left the hotel. The all share hugs before Neil, Helen and Sophie leave.
"How are you feeling?" Mike asks Kate as he wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his chest. She says nothing, but she does return the hug and snuggles herself into his chest more.
"Well at least that answers one of my questions." She says a few minutes later as she moves away some, but not enough to lose contact with him.
"Which one is that honey?" He replies as he guides them both to the lounge.
"That I do have a family who cares about me."
"Kate, you always have had a family that cares about you."
"Yes, but it's different. It wasn't my family, my parents. They are yours."
"So why should that make any difference? They love you as one of their own." He says as the two curl up on the couch.
Over the next week, Kate has several visits with her family, her mother included. Their relationship wasn't perfect by any means, but they were all getting somewhere with it all. Kate felt more comfortable around them and was letting them know more about what she had done within the Navy including places she had visited, the types of jobs she had done and about Mike. On her last visit, she was being more open about what was going on between her and Mike. Neil was concerned about Kate getting hurt again by Mike, but when Kate explained that this last break up was her doing not his; he was left stunned by it all. She explained that Maxine had spoken to her and what had been said and that when she found out he was prepared to give up the Navy for her she just couldn't do it. Maxine words and him being prepared to leave scared her.
Sophie and Neil had a very long in-depth conversation over what she did in Coober Pedy. Neil did research and found out that Sophie had plenty of ways to earn money without resorting to what she was doing. He confronted her about it to and that didn't go down well at all with her.
They were making up for lost time in a way. Helen showed Kate pictures they had of her before she left England and Kate did the same. They had a few more meals together both with and without Mike.
When Mike had to crash sail Hammersley after ten days, Kate was feeling more upbeat. The crew had noticed it, but most of all Mike had noticed it. Kate was sleeping better, had put some weight on, but most of all it was her smile; she was smiling more.
As Hammersley was out on the water, Kate sent Mike an email. Mike was in his office when his laptop chimed at him to inform him of a new email.
Hi Mike,
I was wondering if your parents wanted to meet mine. I was thinking this weekend, if they are all free. Zoey and Barry can come along with their kids as well
Anyway think about it and let me know.
Love,
Kate xoxo
Mike sits there and reads the email several times before picking up the phone to see if his parents are free. Once that is done he rings Hammersley direct.
"Hammersley, Lieutenant Command McGregor speaking." Kate says as she picks up the stat phone she is watching her crew deal with mayday that had them being crashed sailed five hours ago
"Hi Kate, its Mike speaking."
"Make it quick Mike. We are dealing with the mayday." Kate says in a softer tone, but still in work mode.
"I got your email and rang mum and dad. They are happy to meet up with your parents. I rang your parents and everything is set for Saturday. I thought a lunch at my place would be best. Anyway hope it's going well out there and we'll see you when you get back." He says before they say a quick goodbye. Kate was left with a smile on her face.
Three days later.
Kate is at Mike's place and she is starting to feel unsure about this now.
"Kate, it is going to be ok."
"Why did I suggest this? My god, how stupid am I? I've hardly known my parents and then I'm introducing them to your family."
"Kate, relax and calm down."
"No! This was a stupid idea. I should never have suggested it. What happens if your parents find out what happened when I was a child and the things my mother did?" She asks and Mike can see the fear in her eyes; the fear that they may think less of her if they found out.
Mike stands there not sure what to say to her.
"Mike, you've told them haven't you?" Kate says having noticed the semi guilty look on his face.
"I told them that your upbringing wasn't the best and to not ask about it. I also informed them that you only just got back in touch with them and not to go digging around for information. Mum and Dad seemed fine with it." There is a moment of quiet between the two as Mike cuddles Kate in his room. "Kate, they are going to need to get along and meet at some stage. It would be best done before we get married you know." He says to her, in a way reminding her of the bigger picture of their plans that they have laid out.
"I've just never done something like this without thinking it through fully and taking my time.
"Wrong there my dear. Us first time around wasn't thought out now was it? It just happened." He says to her.
"Your right there Mike, but don't you dare think you can use that against me later. You could have said no or stopped it, so you are just as much to blame as me." She says enjoying being in his embrace.
"I wouldn't think of it." He replies back. The two stand there holding each other enjoying just being in each other's' arms.
Not long after this, Mike and Kate join the rest of Mike's family as they await the arrival of her family. Kate works away in the kitchen with Zoey chopping different vegetables for the salad they are making.
"Kate, if you're not careful you will chop up the chopping board." Zoey cheekily says to Kate after hearing her chopping the hell out of the cucumber.
"Sorry." Come softly from Kate.
"Hey, it's going to be ok." Zoey tells her after hearing Kate's soft, worried voice.
"Nope! This is going to be a mess. Your dad is protective of me just like Mike is. How will he handle my father being here? And then there are our mothers. I was an idiot for suggesting this." Kate rambles off and that to Zoey tells her Kate is worried and nervous.
"Well Katie, my dear if you two had sorted out everything between the two of you, you would be husband and wife by now with a child on the way or one running around and they would still have had to meet." Kate looks up to the ceiling trying to hold back the tears that are threating to fall, but it doesn't work and she turns and leaves the kitchen heading towards Mike's bedroom. Zoey informs Mike and he heads off to check on her.
An hour later
Kate's family have just arrived and they have introduced them to Mike's family minus Ryan, who at present is in Canberra talking to Captain Marshall after Mike told him to go talk to him and tell him why he went AWOL. Ryan was having second thoughts about doing what he did and leaving the Navy now.
"Oh my god! Kate honey, you were so cute as a baby." Kellie, Mike's mother exclaims as she is shown pictures of Kate as a baby up until when she left England. All Kate can hear is the little remarks from Mike's mother to her mother and Helen about her as a baby. Kate heads outside to Mike' porch leaving everyone else to talk in the lounge, Mike watches her sneak out and he gets up and goes out after her.
"She looked so beautiful as a baby." Kellie says after they have finished going through the album.
"She was and she was picky about what she wore too. She didn't like anything too frilly."
"Was she a high achiever at that age?"
"Yep, she always like things to be done just right. She is like her father in that way. Her half-brother and sisters are the same in some ways."
"Why aren't they here today?" Graham asks.
"We thought it might be too much for Kate to handle. It's been such an intense couple of weeks for her with us turning up. We thought it might be best for them to go do something more teenage like than sit around here with a bunch of adults." Helen replies.
"Those two look good together." Neil comments.
"They sure do. It's taken them sometime to get to this point. I just hope nothing gets in the way again."
"Yea Kate said something about things not always working out for them." Sophie states
"Yea the Navy have rules and sadly for those two the rules have prevented them being together. Let's just say if the rules weren't as such those two would have been married ten years ago and would already have children together." Kellie tells them.
"Well if they have gotten this far and been through half of what they have told me and survived, they will survive anything thrown at them. They are meant to be together I'd say." Neil says to the group.
"Yep and now they can be together, finally without the rules getting in the way." Comes from Zoey.
"So when do I need to plan my next visit then?"
"Well looking at those two, they are not going to wait long before they get married and I want to be here for that. When do you think that will happen?" Neil asks, pride sounding in his voice.
"Now that is a good question. He has to ask her first."
"And knowing my brother as well as I do, I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps mum on that topic and we find out after it happens." Zoey states.
"He better not!" Graham replies.
"You know him dad, he hates a fuss being made."
"Well if that is what the two want then that is what I will support. I would love Kate to have a nice big family wedding, but one thing Helen has kept reminding me of is that it is her life and I have to allow her to live it her way." Neil states and Helen smiles at him.
"You are finally listening to me are we?" She says with a grin causing Kellie and Zoey to crack up laughing at the looks on their husbands faces.
"But I wonder what she will say when you inform her that you brought a house here in Cairns and want to buy a house for them?"
"No going to happen thanks Dad. Mike and I are fully capable of buying our own home and paying for it."
"But I brought ones for your siblings as investment properties. Surely you can allow me to do that?"
"Nope, sorry dad."
"But Katie..."
"Dad, do not use Katie on me and when I say No I mean it. We are ok money wise." She says as she stands firm by the ranch slider door, Mike behind her.
"Neil you don't need to worry. I own this house fully. There is no mortgage on it. We aren't sure if I will sell this place or rent it." Mike says as he looks at his sister and brother in-law. "We have decided that we will get a bigger place. One with a nice back yard and plenty of room to have everyone around." Mike says to the group.
"Well let me help with it please." Neil begs
"No dad, If we can't afford it, then we don't want it, Please can you respect us on that."
"Ok fine, but only on one condition."
"And what is that?"
"That when you get married you allow me to pay for your wedding."
"Nope, that is not going to happen either dad. Just accept it. You're not going to be able to pay for anything big with me around, and when Mike and I get married, it will be a very small wedding nothing flash or fancy at all. It will be just our closest friends and family around. A wedding that is more fitting to us, not what people would expect us to have." She says to the group.
The rest of the evening goes well for all involved and it was close to eleven before her parents headed off, along with Mike's who are staying in a hotel since his place is full.
Six months later
Kate has kept in regular contact with her father in England and surprisingly she has also kept in touch with her mother, but not as much as her father. The relationship between father and daughter has grown strong between the two even with the distance between them. Email has become their friend with several being sent between them each week.
Kate has just walked into the new home Mike and she have purchased just a few weeks ago. She is flicking through the mail when she sees something from England.
"What has dad done now?" She says to herself.
She opens the envelope and starts to read it.
Trust fund for
Katherine Anne McGregor
Born 19 April 1975
Father: Neil Andrew McGregor
Mother: Sophie Patricia McGregor (nee Harrison)
This trust fund is being set up on the 21st of June 1975 the sum of $1,000 pounds being deposited to set this up….
Kate keeps on reading and is shocked. At the end of all the paperwork, There is another letter.
Dear Katie,
This was set up a couple of months after you were born. it is yours if you want it, or it can stay as it is. It is your choice about what you do with this trust fund. I know you most likely aren't happy about this, but it was done so long ago. I wanted to tell you sooner about it, but having gotten to know you so well, I have found that you prefer to do things on your terms not anyone else's. I love that about you. I love that about you both. You are so good with money, only spending what you can afford and only on what you truly need. I have accepted that I can't buy you anything large or expensive thought if you have any children I do want to be able to spoil them like any grandparent does.
Anyway there are forms in here for you to full in and send back informing the lawyers of what you want to do with your trust fund. I'm not sure how much is in there now. But there must be a large sum for you.
Anyway must go and don't hate me over this please.
Love your father.
She reads the letter several more times before sitting the paperwork down. Her tummy makes some noise.
"I know little one. Just bear with me for a moment." She says as she places a hand on her tummy as it makes more grumbling noises as she takes some deep breaths to relax herself. After a few minutes she gets up and heads off to prepare some lunch for herself. She is too busy making herself lunch and singing along to the radio that she has on that she doesn't hear Mike walk in and wrap his arms around her.
"How are my two most favourite people in the world doing?" He says as he places a gentle kiss on the side of her face.
"Mike, the baby is not even here yet."
"So can't I already love it just as much as I love its mother?" He says to her.
"Of course, we only just found out Mike, anything could happen. Anyway we are both fine except me being damn hungry all the time."
"So what did the doctor say? Sorry I couldn't be there."
"It's ok Mike. Steve arriving unannounced will cause issues, more so when we haven't told anyone yet. The midwife is happy with me. The bloods are all back and she thinks I am around seven weeks going by the blood work. Though I'm going to be throwing you a curve ball. She has put me as high risk due to my age and this being my first baby. More chances of things going wrong so Hammersley is going to need a new CO." She says as she walks over to where he is sitting and sits down on his lap.
"Well if that is the case, no problem. I will figure something out. Your health and that of our baby is far more important than Hammersley. You do know that because of this we are going to have to tell them why you are no longer CO."
"I know, at least we have some down time." She says as she snuggles up into him.
"Well Steve has given me the afternoon off so we could go do something if you want?'
"We better ring and tell our folks before we tell everyone else."
"And maybe tell them we are married now too might be wise."
"Dad is so going to spew over this." Kate says.
"Hey come here, they will be fine with it. Just because we did it on the sly and didn't inform many people like our family's doesn't mean we didn't want them involved. Remember you did tell them when we got married it would be done our way, Sadly the Navy had other plans and we had to do it the way we did. You're my wife and that is all that matters, not the ceremony or the reception the most important part is us being together as husband and wife." He says before kissing her.
When their family's found out they were expecting oh and that they also had gotten married eight weeks ago, timing it with Kate and her patrols as Hammersley had been extremely busy since she set sail again, that trying to set a date but trying to work it out with patrols and not knowing her timetable as such they gave up and decided to apply for an exception which they got granted and then became husband and wife. They had decided once everything had settled down with Mike having to take over Maxine role at NAVCOM and Kate being CO on Hammersley that they would have everyone over and inform them, Kate had decided not to take Mike's name just yet, but it had been recorded on both their Naval records that they were married. So the Navy knew, but not their families or her crew.
Of course with the talk of the baby and them informing their families of their marriage, Kate had forgotten about the trust fund documents that were sitting on the table in their house.
Over the next couple of weeks after talking to Mike and several lawyers, Kate decided to get the trust fund moved to Australia and leave it until it was needed for something important.
Over the next seven months Kate glowed with pregnancy. Her father decided to move over to Australia full time bringing the whole family including his staff with him… well the staff that wanted to move came. Kate had made it clear to him that she would not be moving to England at any stage and that her home was here in Cairns with Mike and Ryan, who was now talking to them both and looking forward to having a younger sister or brother.
The relationship between Kate and her father was growing even more. The fact he had up rooted his life in England to come to Cairns to be closer to her and his first grandchild meant so much to her. She was starting to truly feel like she was loved by all of her family. She started to believe that he did care for her and that even though she was missing for so long, he had never forgotten about her. He had found ways to do things for Kate without spending money on her. He helped Mike paint the nursery. Helen would take Kate out shopping or anything else she needed when Mike was at work. Though there was one thing Kate was not allowed to refuse and that was the bassinet and cot that Neil had shipped over from England. It was a family heirloom that had been handed down and around the family as needed. It was solid wood. he had it re stained and it just looked stunning in the room that they had chosen to paint in an off white, Ivory colour, the wood setting off the lovely colour on the walls. That also had pictures hanging around; pictures of their families, and also pictures of Mike and Kate as babies.
The only one that seemed to not be involved much was her real mother. Even after all this time, Kate struggled to have a proper relationship with her mother. She still blamed her for what happened and Kate found it hard to totally forgive her. They still talked, but it was different to the relationship she had with her mother in-law and Step-mother. Kate did try, but she just couldn't push past it all and when she fell pregnant it made it worse. She just couldn't understand why her mother did what she did. Kate had done everything she could and was told to do so that she could have a stress free uncomplicated pregnancy and it worked. Their baby grew well, Kate looked amazing pregnant and she hardly had any of the pregnancy issues. Her ankles did swell in the last four weeks, but she didn't complain. She had no morning sickness, no high blood pressure, no false alarms, or bleeding.
Kate was a few days away from her due date when her waters broke at home during dinner. They went straight to the hospital, where Kate had decided that she would try natural ways of pain relief first before using drugs. She got in the birthing pool and relaxed, after some time the water had cooled off and so she got them to heat it up again. The contractions where getting stronger and closer together, Mike got in with her the second time and it was only a few hours later that she was ready to push. It took another hour of pushing before they welcomed their baby into the world; a beautiful baby girl. They both sat there in the water looking at their little girl. Kate was holding her while Mike cut the cord, Mike's arms wrapped around Kate as she leant against his chest.
While she was holding her baby, she finally felt like she had a family; that she finally had a place she belonged. Someone who will love her, but most of all she promised herself that their children would grow up knowing their family and having the childhood she should have had. One filled with love, family and fun, but most of all one filled of happy childhood memories.
The End