Chapter 66

The lettuce finely chopped, Tom took the knife from Krystal. "You did that quite well, my love," he grinned, putting the knife out her reach.

"Lets just say I was inspired," she replied smugly.

"Krystal, you're going to have to learn to get along with AJ," Tom said taking her in his arms although he wanted to do much more. This would be the longest week of his life.

"I'll do what he says as my CO, but other than that I think he's...your friend," she grinned sheepishly.

"Thanks for remembering that, my love. He's the friend and has been for decades."

"I promise to be nice to him if it kills me."

Laughing Tom went to the freezer and pulled out four steaks to grill.

"Wait! Krista's a vegetarian. You'll have to come up with something different to eat," Krystal reminded him. "She won't eat anything cooked in animal fat either."

"How about I cut up the steaks in thin slices and make stir fry for everyone? I can dip Krista's out before I cook the steaks in ours?" he asked waiting for Krystal's approval.

"Won't hers get cold?"

"I could cook the steaks and when they are about done use another pan and cook Krista's," he winked knowing this time he hit on the perfect plan.

"That'll work."

Tom quickly started working on dinner while Krystal watched. Tom defrosted the steaks and cut them into strips. Cutting up several vegetables he was ready to begin. He might have to lay out spoons for them to eat the salad though, Krystal had chopped it so fine!

AJ and Krista arrived with him helping her out carefully.

"Tom lives in this nice house?" she looked amazed at the home and walked around smelling the roses. "Krystal's a lucky woman."

"I have a nice house too, Krista, although my flowers are not as beautiful as Tom's," he replied wishing he could tell her his yard was over flowing with flowers. "If you have a green thumb then you're welcome to grow anything you want after we're married."

"Stop pushing!"

"Everything is going to be alright, Krista. Accept that fact and we're going to be married very soon," AJ grinned patting her tummy, which held their babies.

"Tom, they're finally here and can see your home and garden," Krystal hugged him excited and happy her sister had come after all.

"Our home and garden, darling. After all we'll soon be married and what's mine is yours," he said giving her a quick kiss.

"Our home, our garden, and someday our babies," signed Krystal. "I like the sound of that, sweetheart."

"Me too and we'll work on that very soon, I promise," Tom said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Krystal, are you on the pill?"

"No, why would I be? I never intended to make love with anyone," she grinned. "If you want, we can start working on our family immediately."

"I think I'd like that. Now go answer the door before our guests leave," he said watching her leave the room that was almost his undoing.

Glaring at AJ and hugging Krista she invited them inside. "I hope you like stir fry? That's all we could come up with at the last minute," Krystal asked looking at Krista hoping she would approve. If not the evening would be spoiled.

"Yes, as long as it's not cooked in animal fat." smiled Krista at her sister who seemed to be a bundle of nerves.

"It's not. Tom is cooking in olive oil, I checked." she replied biting her lip.

"That's fine, dufus. I'll eat it and I'm sure I'll love it. Did you do any of the cooking?" Krista asked a little nervous herself now.

"Nope, I helped Tom make the salad, though," she shyly glanced at AJ.

"Everything is ready, right down to Krista's tea," Tom grinned, glad he had asked her for some of her special tea. "The rest of us will be having coffee."

Taking a seat, Tom and Krystal placed the plates in front of everyone. Tom delivered Krista's tea with a wink. Krystal helped carry the coffee in while Tom brought in the salad.

"This is delicious Tom. Thank goodness one of us can cook," laughed Krystal as she took a sip of the strong coffee. "I really need to start planning our wedding."

To be continued…