The Turbulent Road Ahead
By: Sigmastar79
A/N: I have found a wonderful Beta in the glorious Miss Sez, to whom I have the greatest respect for. Thank you to everyone who has read and commented on this story, this is all for you :D Last chapter people, I can't believe I wrote so much! I am planning to write a story to follow this one called 'Robert's 'Discussion' and an Andrea story as well. Enjoy Everyone!
Chapter 26
The moment the Hammersley docked, you saw Andrea and Dutchy taking over. Andrea had waited for the gangway to be lowered, before she walked off the ship and motioned to her friend Tony and his father. Both men knew what had happened and where glad to help. Andrea thanked them and had Dutchy start offloading their belongings into the large moving van from the company Tony's Dad owned. Steve Marshall almost passed out seeing Andrea in her Aunt's DCPUs until he realised she wasn't Kate. He almost laughed when he heard Dutchy call out to her.
"Perky, what about the kids?"
"They are coming with me to the house. I have to offload the truck and get them to bed. I won't make them go to school tomorrow, but I do have a very hectic 24 hours ahead of me. Is the coroner here yet?"
"They are pulling up now Ma'am. Should I have Swain and Crafty bring out your dad?"
"Yes please, Dutchy. The sooner we get him there, the sooner I can plan the service"
Steve was amazed at how professional and mature Andrea was acting. He was even more surprised when he heard her yell.
"Gangway Ho!"
Mike and Pete were coming off the gangway and everyone stopped what they did and saluted. Andrea saw the car Steve had come out in and opened the door for her Uncle. Seeing Mike hug her and smile, he got in. Giving Steve a nod, he watched her wave over the ambulance that was waiting for her Mother. He watched her promise her Mum that she had the kids before Pete left with her.
He then watched as she made sure her Mum was gone before having her Father brought out to the coroner's van. Signing his paperwork after Swain identified him as Gerald Perkins and as the man's next of kin, Andrea agreed to be at the coroner's office later that morning. After that was finished, Steve just shook his head and drove an anxious Mike to the hospital. He had a fiancée and baby to get to.
Andrea watched as the last of the supplies was loaded and her siblings brought out to the truck. Dutchy and RO followed Andrea and her friends to the house where they helped moved everything into the house so Andrea could get her siblings back to bed before helping herself. RO offered to stay behind and help Andrea even after she insisted she didn't need it. Watching Andrea and Robert having a standoff with each other made Dutchy chuckle. He wondered if they knew just how much they resembled Mike and Kate at that very moment.
"Robert, we'll be fine, go get some rest"
"Not leaving Ann"
"Damnit Robert I have a lot to do and…"
"And I had to do the same without help and it was hell a few years back. Your Aunt was there for me, and I will be there for you."
"I appreciate what you're trying to do but…"
"No buts. I ain't leaving. Now let's get everything organized before it grows legs and multiplies. And trust me, it will"
Andrea just smiled and shook her head as she led Robert into the house as Dutchy left. He knew nothing would happen between them. At least, he hoped nothing happened. He didn't want to be on the wrong side of Pete if Andrea turned up pregnant.
Mike rushed into the hospital and didn't even wait to be told where Kate was. He knew where the nursery was and that the NICU wasn't too far from it. Rushing in, he looked through the window. He started to cry all over again seeing the small incubator with the name Flynn on it. A hand on his shoulder made him jump and turn. Doctor Harper looked tired but happy. Her smile told him it was OK and to be strong.
"Better late then never, Dad. She just came out of the coma, but she is still a long way off being able to go home. Want to see your little girl?"
"Yes please" sobbed Mike as he was lead inside and given a paper gown and mask. Walking over to the incubator, Mike cried again at the sight of his little girl. She was wrapped up tightly in a blanket, wires going everywhere. Breathing tubes were going inside her nose and her eyes were closed. Mike lowered his head and whispered to the baby inside.
"Hi Princess, it's Daddy. I love you Catherine LaFern. Get bigger for me, OK"
Just then, Cat opened her baby blue eyes and Mike started crying all over again. Doctor Harper took the baby girl out and placed her in her Father's waiting arms. The baby seemed to know who he was because she seemed to turn and nestle herself into Mike and go back to sleep. The flash of a camera made Mike look up to see his parents and Shamus. Mike smiled at his Father-in-law and said what he knew the man needed to hear most of all.
"They're fine Dad. The kids are at Christina's house. Christina is here with Pete. Gerald Perkins is dead"
Seeing the tears spring up in Shamus's eyes again made Mike smile once more. He knew he had given the best answer the man could hear. The monster was gone. His family was once again safe, and he was a new grandfather. Life couldn't be better for Shamus McGregor.
Kate awoke to feel someone beside her. Looking over to see Mike cuddled up to her she smiled. That was until she touched her stomach. She let out a small scream when she realised she couldn't feel Cat move. It woke Mike up and he had to restrain her to calm her down.
"I'm glad you are finally awake. You have been in a coma for three days"
"The baby, Mike the baby…"
"Is just fine and is in the NICU. She needs a little help breathing but is doing just fine. She is perfect Katie. Thank you for the beautiful little girl"
"Mike what happened?"
"Maxine hired someone to come in and hurt you. We have her on cameras entering the hospital and your room. The evidence of sexual assault has been dealt with. The male nurse, Larry Tate, was arrested when he came to work the next day and Maxine was arrested the moment she walked off the plane in Canberra."
"So it's over?"
"Yes Katie, it's over" Mike said bending over to kiss Kate. He would have continued kissing her if she hadn't pulled back.
"Christina!"
"Is just fine" was heard from the door way. Standing there was Christina and Pete smiling at them. Andrea, Robert, Sarah, Shamus, Chris and Dan were with them and Christina came over to hug her sister.
"I got back safe thanks to my oldest daughter. She got a hold of RO there and got help. She takes after you so much I'm starting to think she should be your daughter instead of mine!"
Kate laughs at that one and opens her arms to her niece. Andrea runs over and hugs her, glad her Aunt is OK.
"Glad to see you awake Aunt Kate. Now Uncle Mike won't be so grumpy"
Kate laughs and kisses Mike. Life is perfect. It might have been a turbulent road from the beginning, but the end result was well worth the wait as Kate was wheeled into the NICU unit not to soon afterwards and was finally allowed to hold the little life her and Mike had created. Kissing Mike and holding their daughter, life was good.
No one noticed due to the excitement that Kate was finally awake that Robert and Andrea were holding hands while smiling at the picture in front of them. Time would tell the truth for them in the long run.
Gerald's funeral had been a hectic affair for Andrea. Robert made sure to stand by her and the family as several people showed up for the wake and funeral. Once word had spread of his death, several people from Ireland and surrounding countries came to pay their respects. The boys were not there due to them being so young and not really knowing their father well, but it had gotten around that Christina had also given Gerald two twin boys.
For an easy excuse, Andrea said the boys were helping their mother at home while she handled the arrangements. Sarah had sat in the front pew with Mike for protection from all the people she didn't know, as Robert stood by Andrea to help her. While Mike had dressed casually, Robert had showed up in his whites. Andrea had appreciated his efforts and whenever someone tried to pull something, RO just said he was there as Andrea's escort. When Andrea smiled up at Robert, everyone seemed to see her father in her as they could all see she was smitten with the navy officer.
It was quite embarrassing for Robert as several of the Irish friends and associates of Gerald had decided to congratulated and then threaten him not to hurt the oldest daughter of their fallen friend. Mike had just shook his head and smiled. If Robert thought this was bad, wait until he met Shamus!
A month later, Mike brought Kate home to the house the two families had prepared for them. Due to all the trauma of the birth, Kate had been kept in hospital longer along with Catherine, and they were finally allowed to come home together. Cat was now a happy, bouncy baby girl that weighed 10 lbs and 6 ounces. They were due to get married that weekend and when Kate sees her dream dress in the closet, no six week rule can stand between Mike and Kate as they christen their new bedroom, and their new life. Too bad they forgot that not waiting also ensured a new baby for the couple.
Maxine's Court Marshal had been a tiring experience. Both Kate and Mike had to both show up to testify against her. At first Maxine tried pulling out her records and alibi to defend herself. She accused Kate of manipulating Mike and tricking him to get her pregnant. She had several false documents filed that showed false complaints against Kate, but when Ryan took the stand against him mother, all hell had broken loose. His account of all his mothers plans and delusions had been the first nail in her coffin.
When Steve Marshall showed all the files and paperwork that Ryan had taken from his mother's home, combined with his testimony of how he got the said paperwork and documents, the magistrate threw the book at her. The added bonus of her getaway plan only added to her guilt. The stocked boat that had once been her husband Jeffery has just sealed the deal. Kate had to hide the smile as Maxine's face fell when the evidence against was shown. Not only was Maxine dishonourably discharged from RAN, she was found guilty of all charges. She was sentenced to forty years in prison.
Larry Tate had been found guilty in a civilian court for his role in the attempted murder and his charge of rape against Kate. He had been sentenced to twenty years in prison. He vowed revenge on Kate and Mike as he was taken from the court room, but it made no matter to Mike and Kate. He had been sentenced with no possibility of early discharge due to his threats.
Mike went back to NavCom and was promoted to head Commander there in Maxine's place. Since Kate was taking care of the baby, she too went to NavCom, becoming Mike's 2IC, again. Pete became CO of the Hammersley the same week Hawker was officially made CO of the Kingston. The two ships were friends now, no longer attacking each other.
A lady by the name of Karen Sill became the new XO for the Hammersley. She worked well with Pete, being married herself to the CO of the HMAS Fremount. Christina gave birth to two little girls, and two little boys. Peter Michael, Shamus Anthony, Lisa Katelyn and Ceili Ambrosa were born on December 25th 2011. They were the perfect Christmas gifts to the newly married couple.
Ryan and Bird had been married two years later, opting for a long engagement, which happened to be a blessing considering she had been tasked with the Huon to Afghanistan for 8 months after her promotion. The two were now also happily married and expecting their first child soon. A little boy they planned to name Jeffery Michael.
***Five years later***
Andrea Perkins-Tomaszewski waited nervously at the docks. A newly graduated woman, she was already an officer in the navy due to her years and training in Sea Cadet Corps. Naval school had done a lot for the young Woman that looked every bit like her Aunt, Commander Katelyn Flynn. She had advanced grades in the Naval Academy due to being in her element, even winning the sword her last year at ADFA. Her Uncle, Rear Admiral Michael Flynn had just promoted Andrea to the HMAS Kingston, under Hawker's command. He knew better than to put her on the Hammersley. He knew her plans, which posed no problem for Hawker as he welcomed his new Navigator.
As she watched the Hammersley dock next to the Kingston, she smiled. She had matured in the last five years and had waited for this day. She watched as people started filing off the ship. Her Father wasn't pleased in her choice, but Peter knew nothing had happened in the last five years, so he was confident enough in her decision to chase after the man she desired. Seeing her Father give her the signal from the gangway, Andrea rushed down the Kingston and boarded the HMAS Hammersley. Waiting for her was her Dad, the CO of the HMAS Hammersley, Peter Tomaszewski. He smiled as she waited with her back to one Lieutenant Robert Dixon, RO, as he walked towards them. Pete knew what he was doing as he shook his head before he made the introductions.
"Ah RO, I think I want you to re-meet someone"
"Who is that Sir; I have a date with a beer at the pub with 2Dads. He and his wife Mary just announced that they were expecting their fourth child"
Andrea put her head down and went to walk away, but Pete grabbed her arm. He knew she was about to give up thinking the worse. She was at times, also her Mother's daughter.
"Lieut. Robert Dixon, radio operator, met the Kingston's new navigator, Petty Officer Andrea Perkins – Tomaszewski"
Andrea turned around and looked at Robert. He hadn't changed that much. Now at 34, the man in front of her was just about the same as he was when she had first kissed him 5 years ago after being rescued from her biological father, except he was more open now.
"Hello Robert" spoke Andrea, her voice was much more mature now, and the sound was as smooth as honey, something she had inherited from Gerald. Her voice was said to do things to people, just as her biological father's voice had.
Robert stood there in shock. Not only had she joined the Navy like she always wanted to, but he had heard she had finished her schooling in a local military school and had been taking the ADFA courses during her vacations. It seemed that she had already made Petty Officer, a big accomplishment for the young woman. The fact she was looking at him like she did 5 years ago made him a little nervous. He still remembered the kiss they had shared five years before on the ship and then in her house all those years ago and he tried not to think about it too often because she had been nothing but a child.
That was the current problem now is that she was no longer a child. Standing in front of him was a young woman, a young woman who was looking straight at him, with desire in her eyes. And the desire was only for him.
When Robert didn't do or say anything, Andrea's heart fell a bit. She understood of course, she had been a child. He had been trying to let her down easily. Giving him a small smile, she saluted RO and then her Dad. She then turned to leave the Hammersley, walking away from the one man she ever felt anything for. She refused to look back, it would break her heart. She could not be weak in this, she had to be strong.
She had to remember not all love lasted a lifetime. Not all love stories ended with happy endings. Not all loves stories where like her Aunt Kate's and Uncle Mike's love story. They were a once in a lifetime love. That was not something she was destined to have with Robert Dixon apparently. She had given her heart to the wrong man.
RO was speechless. He had seen her facial expression change, and he knew what it meant. He had hurt her and he hadn't meant too. Letting out a sigh, he didn't expect to feel his CO's hand come down on his shoulder, or to hear his next words whispered in his ear.
"She waited"
"Excuse me Sir?"
"Someone told her if she felt the same in five years to come and find him. She waited"
RO turned to look at his Captain, and the step father of the woman who was now walking onto the dock and towards the Kingston beside them. He couldn't be saying what he thought he was saying, could he?
"Sir, she was a child who was scared and confused. She got her first kiss from someone she admired after a traumatic event in her life. How could she feel the same as she did then? She was a child then and a woman now"
"Exactly Robert"
"I don't understand?"
"A woman Robert, you're letting a woman walk away. You're 34 years old now? Not getting any younger mate. If there is one thing I know about the McGregor women, it is this. Once they give their hearts, they give them completely. You just broke my daughter's heart RO"
RO looked shocked at Pete as he walked off the ship and towards Christina, their 5 year old quads yelling happily as their Dad came into sight with a brown haired little 3 year old girl on Christina's hip and two 13 year old boys trying to keep the four five year olds from knocking Pete down. He looked again at the Kingston and saw Andrea saluting her ship's mascot before walking onboard. She happened to look up and their eyes met. He could see the pain in her eyes, but also the spirit to not show it. He removed his hat and placed it in front of him on his chest. It hit him like a ton of bricks, his Ann loved him. Andrea bowed her head to him and went to walk on board the patrol boat.
Knowing it was now or never, Robert ran off the Hammersley and straight to the Kingston. He didn't notice Pete's laugh or Christina mumbling as she shook her head that it was about time as Robert ran up the gangway to the Kingston, surprising Hawker and his XO as the Hammersley's RO ran onto his ship. Looking up at a laughing Pete, Hawker just shook his head as RO yelled for Andrea. Looked like his new Nav was going to be courted by the Hammersley's RO, and with her father's consent no doubt.
"ANN!"
Andrea kept walking, thinking she was hearing things. She passed a few bewildered shipmates as she made her way to the sleeping quarters. Right now all she wanted was to go to her rack and close the curtain and have a good cry. She had been foolish to think that Robert had meant what he had said five years ago. She was a child, a foolish stupid child.
"ANN! ANN STOP!"
Andrea had just reached one of the interior doors when she felt a hand grab her arm and twist her around. Before she could comprehend what was going on, Robert's lips were on hers. She fought at first until she realised it was Robert, and then kissed back. He was kissing her, he had chased after her! He loved her too! Breaking the kiss, Robert just smiled back at the young woman in his arms.
"I was calling you"
"I thought you didn't want me"
"Andrea I'm idiot, ask anyone on the Hammersley"
"You're not an idiot" said Andrea sternly and Robert just smiled and kissed her again. He would have been if he had let her go twice.
"Sorry about before, I was in a bit of shock"
"That's OK" whispered Andrea and Robert laughed.
"So, my stern Perkins woman, do you feel like you could do with a bite to eat? My friends are waiting at the pub to announce their fourth child is on the way"
"Yeah actually" she replied and wrapped her arm around his waist as he wrapped one around her shoulder. Walking off the ship and along the docks, they were happy and oblivious to the eyes upon them.
"About time"
"Christina"
"Don't Christina me, she's like you"
"Your daughter"
"Your niece!"
Kate giggled as she watched poor Chris and Dan trying their hardest to keep up with 5 year olds; Catherine (Cat), Peter, Shamus, Lisa and Ceili, while Pete and Mike tried to keep up with a 4 year old Michael, 3 year old Patricia, and a 2 year old Roxy.
"Well, your oldest has found her love match, now all we have to do is tell our husbands they are about to become fathers again"
Christina looked at her 7 children present and her sister Kate's 3 children and giggled.
"I wonder what their reaction will be when they find out we are both having twins?"
Kate laughed as they headed their families towards the awaiting vans. Sarah was having her first concert tonight and they didn't want to miss it. Texting her niece Andrea, she reminded her about her sister's performance and told her to bring Robert. It was about time he meet the rest of the McGregor family, be it Grandpa Shamus, the McGregor/Tomaszewski group or the McGregor/Flynn group. This was going to be fun.
Robert and Andrea were married a year later. They had the wedding outside on the docks in the presences of both ship's companies. Christina had cried and Pete had as well as he walked Andrea to Robert. Mike had married the two with pride and couldn't help but think how much his niece really did look like his Katie, especially considering she was wearing her Aunt's wedding dress from so many years before.
Andrea was already two months pregnant at her wedding