Chapter 71

"Old sea dog, I don't like that expression. I have heard you and AJ call each other that and I hate it," Krystal said making a face. "Neither one of you is old! You two need to remember I am Navy too, and you don't look like a sea dogs to me. Can you start calling each other and yourselves something else?"

Krista grinned and suggested, "Dufus 1 and 2? You know like Thing 1 and 2 from that book 'Cat In The Hat' when we were kids?"

Grinning Krystal replied, "I don't think that'll work, Tom didn't take to well to being called, Dufus."

"Since when were we giving them a vote? And it wouldn't matter anyway because we would have four votes against their two!"

"Well, men, what do you think, how do you like dufus to old sea dog?" grinned Krystal.

Tom replied, "I think I will stick to old sea dog if it's all the same to you ladies!" with a laugh. "What about you, AJ?"

"Me too, at least I know what it is," he laughed. "What is a dufus, anyway?"

"It's a pet name we had for each other as kids, we've never...ever...found anyone else that we loved enough to call them that..." Krista admitted shyly.

"Dufus, huh? Well it would take some getting use to, but if you loved me that much I guess I could give it a try," AJ smiled as he leaned on and kissed her on the cheek.

"See, Tom, he'll let Kris call him 'Dufus', but you don't like the name," pouted Krystal.

"It's only because you didn't tell me that it admitted me to a very special club! I now love the name!" he told her and kissed her till her blood began to boil.

"He's just being nice, but extra special nice so I don't care," grinned Krystal looking and him with love in her eyes. "I like Admiral Dufus, has a nice ring to it, don't you think everyone."

"NO! Don't call me that at the office or you'll definitely be brought up on charges," laughed AJ
glancing at Krista to see if his sudden change in voice bothered her.

Krista shrank into herself before his voice changed; tonight just the mention of the men's rank was enough to set off the bad memories.

Krystal watching her sister decided to change the subject. "Kris, you have to help me go shopping to get ready for the wedding. So when is a good time for you?"

It took her a moment to realize that her sister was speaking to her, shaking her head to clear the bad memories she slowly replied, "Well, the shop is open during the week from 10 to 6 so any time after that would be fine."

"I need to check and see what time that little boutique closes. Someone remind me to do that
tomorrow. My mind is running in so many different directions at the same time I can't keep up with anything," Krystal replied taking a sip of wine and letting out a deep breath. Kris seemed to have come back to the present.

"Which boutique? If it is near my shop I know a lot of the owners and could maybe ask if they could stay open late for us."

"I think the name was French's Bridal Gowns and Accessories. Is that one that is near you?" Krystal crossed her fingers and waited.

"Its not far, and the owner is a regular customer! She has arthritis in her knees and I treat her for it, I am sure that she would stay open for us one evening. I'll ask her tomorrow."

"That would be terrific, if you could Kris. If we get the dresses I won't worry about anything else because it's only going to be a small wedding," Krystal said looking around the table. "I just moved here and I really don't know anyone well enough to plan a big wedding."

"Small can be nice too, but I bet that AJ and Tom have some people that they will want to invite?"

"I really don't want a big wedding, Kris. I want to pay for it myself and a big wedding would be
expensive," Krystal explained. "As long as you and Tom are standing beside me I don't care who else is there, well except for the minister."

To be continued…