Chapter 109

Changing out of their beautiful gowns, in Tom and Krystal's bedroom, Krystal hugged Kris, and asked, "How does it feel to be Mrs. Chegwidden?"

"I love Albert, but I guess it'll take time to really soak in," smiled Kris.

"I already feel married!" Krystal told her sister, then suggested, "Now let's outside before someone makes a pass at our husbands!"

Holding Kris' arm they walked outside. Harriett stopped them on the front porch, "Which one of you is Krista?"

"That would be me," smiled Kris glad to see someone dressed in ordinary clothes. "Do I know you?"

"No, Mrs. Chegwidden, we've not been introduced yet. I'm Lieutenant Harriett Sims. My husband is Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts," Harriett smiled reaching out her hand for Krista's to shake. Noticing Krista was shaking, which she attributed to nerves. "I wanted to ask you a question about what to give the boys for the croup? The Admiral said you'd know, and that whatever you would give me would work like magic."

Feeling more in her element, Kris smiled and explain to Harriett, "If you have Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Tea Tree around the house, then mix them up in equal parts in a tea for them to drink, and also massage oil to rub on their chests, it will help them breathe and get the mucus out of their lungs."

"But I don't have those things, all I know is that Eucalyptus is something you use for colds and lavender is a flower," Harriett fretted. "I have never heard of the other."

"Well, I have them at the shop, but you don't want to wait till Monday to address the problem. I'm sure that I have those in my bag. Come with me for a minute and I'll mix you up something right away." Krista and Harriett went back into the house and Krista mixed her up some massage oil for the boys and told her how to use it. "You can also add three to six drops to tea or any hot drink that will help too."

"Thank you so much! I'll be by your store as soon as you're open again to get some more! You don't know how relieved I am," smiled Harriett. Krista decided she liked the Admiral's new wife. They talked about children as they headed back outside.

Krystal was making her way slowly to Tom. Everyone was stopping her and wishing her well. She was glad to see that her co-workers had all decided to come to the wedding. Probably had more to do with the Admiral then her, but nothing was going to spoil her wedding day. Gazing at Tom and how handsome he looked in his mess dress she was working her way to him through the crowd. Suddenly someone grabbed her arm and swung her around, "Hey, Krista I haven't kissed the bride yet."

"No, I'm not.." The man covered her mouth with his while Krystal beat upon his shoulders.

"Come on, Krista, you used to like my kisses. Give Pete a big kiss," the man who had been taking pictures all day insisted. Covering her mouth again while she tried to fight him off.

AJ who was nearby heard the last thing Pete had told Krista and looking saw a man kissing his fighting wife. Angry as a raging bull he rushed to save her from her ex-boyfriend. Grabbing Pete by the shoulder, he spun him around and slugged him. Pete landed on the ground and AJ pulled him up by the collar.

"I'll teach you to kiss my wife, you low life!" he yelled. "Didn't you even notice she was fighting you off?"

Prepared to hit Pete again AJ heard, "AJ, it's me Krystal! Kris is safe on the porch. Thanks for rescuing me though, brother."

"WHAT? Krystal?" AJ looked at her then at his wife on the porch with Harriett. He turned around and warned Pete, "Stay away from both ladies, Pete."

To be continued…