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Chapter 6 - Engagement

Now back in port

As they were dressed all in whites they made their way off Hammersley. Kate was glad to be back on solid ground at last. She could now how contact with Mike again and that she couldn't wait for. She had missed him so much.

As they all made their ways back home, Mike followed Kate home much to Kate's delight he had missed her so much over the last few weeks. It's been so difficult. She just wanted Mike to hold her.

"I've missed you so much so much," Mike muttered leaning over to her to give her a hug.

"Don't you think I haven't, it's been so difficult now being able to hug, to kiss you, for you to hold me," Kate added

They were now granted two weeks leave, partly because they were doing a long rotation on the sea. Next time they were planned on doing six weeks at sea. It was going to be long time and Kate and Mike were going to have to be able to stay at a professional level.

"You know, next time we go to sea, its going to be a gruesome six weeks, Mike I don't know what I'll do, its going to be so difficult."

Mike added, "I know Kate, I know, but we can do this and we don't have to talk about this now because we've only just come off Hammersley and we have two weeks to make the most off."

"Okay then," Kate agreed.

They spent the two weeks together doing everything a happy couple should be doing together and hoping Nikki wasn't spying on them.

Walking along the beach one night Kate realised she hadn't told Mike that Nikki knew about their relationship.

"Oh Mike, I forgot to tell you that Nikki Knows about us two, she guessed and to be fair she always finds out about everything on Hammersley."

Mike Laughed, "why does that not surprise me one bit Kate? I'm sure she spies on everything and everyone like she has nothing better to do."

Kate started laughing with Mike.

"Ah well to be fair, I totally know where she is coming from, she likes being in on the gossip and so do I. It's a girl thing."

"Yeah I know that, and I'm the one that has got to put up with it," replied Mike.

Again they both giggled.

After spending nearly the two weeks together, their shore leave was nearly coming to an end. They had spent the whole of shore leave together and were now inseparable.

On the last day before going back to Hammersley, Mike walked up to Kate smiling.

"What are you smiling at Mr Flynn?" Kate said also smiling at him smiling.

"Oh nothing I'm just happy, I'm popping out to town for a bit, and erm... when I come back I'm going to take you out for tea, if that is ok with you?" Mike answered.

"Yeah that would be great, we are we going? I knew to know what the dress code is," cheerfully Kate replied.

"I'm not going to tell you, but it's a very nice place. I'm going to wear a tie," as Mike said walking out the door.

Kate thought to herself, Mike never wears a tie so it must be dressy. I just don't know what to wear. She also thought it was very strange that Mike had not asked her whether she wanted to go. He always asks her. Maybe because he thought she needed that much time to get ready. She laughed to herself.

Kate spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready, like usual it takes that long.

She tried three different dresses before she finally settled for her little black number. She had her flowing blonde locks loosely curled. And after a few hours she was nearly ready.

She could hear footsteps downstairs and it was obvious to her that Mike had let himself in with his own key because she could tell by his footsteps it was him.

"Kate," Mike Called.

"I'll be down in two seconds," she shouted from upstairs.

As she made her way down the stairs, Mike caught a glimpse of her.

"Kate you look stunning!" Mike exclaimed.

"Thank you, it's something I found at the back of the wardrobe." Kate replied "Are those flowers for me?"

"They are," as Mike handed Kate the roses.

"They're beautiful, I love roses," Kate said as she walked into the kitchen to put the flowers into some water.

"Right, we best get on our way then," Mike added.

They both turned to walk out of the house and Mike opened the door for Kate to get in the car.

"Thank you," Kate smiled

They both sat in silence on the car journey. Kate still had no idea where Mike was taking her, until Kate noticed a familiar journey she had taken a few months back to see a new restaurant in town. She hadn't been in before she just went to have a look at it when it first opened.

"Don't we need a reservation in this place?" Kate asked.

"What makes you think I don't have one?"

"Erm... I don't know I just thought" she laughed.

As they were seated at the table she noticed that everyone had flowers placed at their tables, but they were the only ones to have red roses placed.

"Oh Mike, its lovely in here, thank you for bringing me."

"Well Kate, its our last day on shore leave so I thought we shall make the most of it," Mike added to the conversation.

The place was all very romantic, romantic music, lighting, everything. Kate loved it, she was in one of the most romantic places she had ever been in and who better to spend the time with. Than her very own, Mike. The person she loved to pieces, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She was in heaven.

"Kate," Mike had interrupted her thoughts. "There is something I've been wanting to ask you. Kate, I love you to pieces, I really do. When were at sea, I miss your company terribly. I want to spend every minute with you. I don't ever want to leave you and I don't want you ever to leave me."

Kate was now becoming very interested in the conversation.

"Mike, you know I'll nev..." Kate was stopped in mid sentence.

"Kate, these last two weeks have been amazing and I know that the next six weeks are going to be hell, not being able to hold you, to show my love for you. I can't bear this anymore. Kate I love you more than anything and I would like you to do the honouring of marrying me and making me the happiest man on this planet."

Kate's face dropped, she was shocked that Mike was proposing to her so quick, but to be fair they both had undying love for each other. That was the obvious bit.

She looked at Mike realising she still hadn't given him an answer.

A smile broke from her face.

"Oh course I will," she went to hug him.

Mike now produced the ring it was one diamond set on a thin gold band and shone brightly.

Mike now off his seat bent down on one knew and place the ring on her finger. They both stood up and hugged each other tightly, while everyone else in the restaurant applauded for them.

They were well and truly the happiest couple on the planet. To celebrate Mike had already ordered a bottle of champagne with the slightest chance that Kate would have said yes.

They had so much to organise now, they had to inform NAVCOM of their relationship progressing but that was the last thing either of them could think about right now. They were thinking of them getting married and spending the rest of their lives with each other. The concept excited them both.

After finishing their bottle of champagne they when walked along the beach hand in hand. It was none stop talking about weddings, the rest of their lives, children.

"Do you want children?" Kate asked Mike.

"Yeah I'd love children, about ten running round would be great," as Mike answered Kate's question.

"Yeah I don't think that many is on the cards thank you very much. I will get a shore posting though, when we finally decide to have children." Kate added.

"Kate you really have made me the happiest man ever, today and forever,"

"Don't you think we need to be heading home now, we do have an early start tomorrow on Hammersley and we have to try keep this quiet for as long as me can. Well I don't know how long it will take till Nav finds out," Kate said.

"I I give it a day!" Mike said as they both laughed.

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