Chapter 3

A Couple of Days later

Stacy was just coming off watch, when Captain Sheridan caught up with her. "Hey, Stace. Care to have dinner with your old man?"

Stacy smiled at her father. "Sure, dad. Where at?"

"I was thinking about my house. I'd make my famous spaghetti dinner."

"Yum. I'll bring the wine."

"Sounds good to me. It'll just be you and I tonight. I thought you might want to talk."

"I do dad. We just have been busy up to now."

"Very well. I'll see you about 7pm?"

"Yes, daddy." She gave him a quick hug, and hurried to her car.

At 7pm, Stacy showed up at her dad's home. She had a bottle of wine with her. She knocked on the door.

"The door's open." Dennis called as he formed the meat balls.

Stacy walked in, and followed the smells and sounds, to the kitchen. She gave her dad a peck on the cheek. "Hi, dad. What can I do to help?"

"Hi, Sweetheart. Why don't you put the wine in the refrigerator? Then make the salad, that'll help me, sweetie." He returned her peck.

Soon dinner was ready, and the two of them sat down to dinner. As they ate they talked a little about the job. However, the conversation turned to the upcoming wedding.

"Stacy, I noticed the other night your mind wasn't completely on the party. Was there something wrong?"

Stacy took a swallow of wine, before answering her dad. Nodding, Stacy took a deep breath. "Yes, daddy. Most girls have her mother with her, when she plans her wedding." Swallowing hard, Stacy continued. "I don't, daddy."

"Have you considered calling Fran? After all, she is your godmother. She could fill in, for your mother."

"Dad it's not the same. I wish mom could be here."

"I know, Stace. I wish she could be here, too. Your mother would want to be here as well, if she could."

"I have considered calling Fran, though. My concern is, Hooker. How would he feel?"

"Stace, you know Hooker and Fran have remained friends since the divorce. I don't see either of them having a problem."

"True, dad. I'll call her in the morning. I'll also speak to Hooker, tomorrow. When do I start riding with Hooker?"

"I believe that's tomorrow, as well."

Stacy swallowed hard. "I don't like the fact he doesn't have a partner. There's added protection, when you have a partner."

"Stace, you and Hooker and other officers will be backing him up. Also, he'll have another partner. In the meantime, I want you to prepare for the wedding. I'm not really looking forward to giving you away, but I'm gaining a great son."

"Dad, you're not really losing me. I'll still be here. As will Jim. As you pointed out you're gaining a son."

Dennis lifts an eyebrow. "Maybe, someday I'll gain grandchildren, too."

"Dad…" Stacy threw her napkin at him.

"Hey, I'll get to enjoy my retirement and grandchildren, what can I say."

"Don't put the cart before the horse, dad. I think Jim and I both want to wait, before we have children. I mean we haven't spoken about it, yet."

"Don't you think it's something you should talk about? I mean…"

"Of course, dad. We should speak about it. I know Jim wants children, as do I, but when is the question."

"How are you going to plan a wedding? You do work."

"I'll just have to plan it around my watches. Jim and I still have to pick out wedding rings. I have a whole list of things, I have to do." Stacy frowns into her wine. "Was it this hard, when you and mom got married?"

"I think it was harder. I was in the military, at the time. Getting the two of us together for anything, but the wedding was a challenge. But that's why you should ask Fran for help and advice. That's what the mother or in this case the godmother of the bride is for. Chin up, Stace. Everything will work out."