Chapter 42

Krystal dropped her head and reached for her tea to take a drink. Hoping it would push the lump out of her throat. First, the Admiral had accused her of aborting his baby. Then she found Kris, only to learn she's dying and now she wasn't even allowed to talk about it. Now Tom comes off with something I don't feel is appropriate, and then Kris calls me down like a small child. How much worse can the day get?

Realizing that Krystal was really upset, Tom turned to her and lifted her chin to look into her eyes, "Darling, I am so sorry if you thought what I said was offensive. I didn't mean anything like that by it. Please forgive me?" he brushed away the tear with his thumb.

"I'm just tired, I guess. It has been a long day. A lot has happened and it hit me harder than I first thought," she smiled sadly. "I'll be alright, go ahead and eat."

Reaching across the table, AJ covered her hand with his, "You'll have that public apology tomorrow in the office, Krystal! I swear that to you!"

"Thanks, I really appreciate it, Admiral. Now everyone eat and I'll drink my tea for now," she smiled at everyone.

"You deserve it Krystal, I really am sorry for the things I accused you of, the only excuse that I have is that I was so very worried about Krista..." he said looking over at her twin sitting there carrying his children.

"It's alright, Admiral, I understand how you made the mistake, now. An apology will do fine so that everyone will understand that we've had nothing between us. I want a happy working relationship with the others there, they all seem nice," smiled Krystal picking up her tea.

"When we're off duty, please feel free to call me AJ, Krystal."

"Thank you, AJ. Tom says you and he are best friends. How long have the two of you known each other?" she asked looking from Tom to AJ.

"I hate to admit it, but longer than you girls have been alive!" AJ told her.

"I've loved Tom for a little over ten years, so time doesn't mean a thing," Krystal smiled. "Today has been a dream, I have Tom and found my sister."

"For me as well, I have found the mother of my children!" AJ smiled gently at Krista, wondering if she could ever look at him the way her sister was looking at Tom.

Tom smiled as he watched AJ. He knew that his friend had fallen for Krista; he just hoped that AJ would not be hurt in love again. He had really been through some rough times lately with the women in his life! And this was not looking like it would be a smooth road either.

"Then we are two very lucky people. How about you two, are you happy about anything?" Krystal asked looking at her sister through lower eyes.

"Well, I am pretty happy that the woman I love more than life itself has agreed to be my wife!" Tom told her taking her hand and bringing it to his lips to kiss where he would place a ring as soon as he could.

Krista looked at AJ and said, "I'm happy that my babies have such a nice father."

"There's always blessings to be counted if we just look for them," smiled Krystal looking at Tom. "Krista, you never did tell me if you'd stand up with me at my wedding."

"If you still want me to, then I would be glad to, Krys."

"I want you, Kris, I have always wanted you in my life because I love you," Krystal smiled through her tears. "I'd do anything for you, Kris, anything."

"Will you help Albert raise the babies if..." Krista couldn't go on.

"That would be up to AJ, Kris, not us," she replied sadly. "Who's your doctor, Kris?"

"Dr. Cook, but what has that got to do with whether Albert will let you help with raising the babies? Albert, you will let Krys be a part of their lives won't you?"

"In time, I'm sure I would, but it would be hard to see Krystal since she looks so much like you," AJ said honestly. "I would never keep her from them, but it would take me some time to get used to your loss."

"Kris, has Dr. Cook given you any hope at all other than the chemo?" Krystal asked. "Any other way to live and raise your children."

Krista didn't look at her sister as she answered. Her eyes were locked with AJ's, she clearly said, "No, there was nothing."

To be continued…