Chapter 56
August 20th was a perfect day, or at least the weather looked like it was going to be. There was just a hint of the coming fall in the air and yet, it was just the right temperature for everyone to enjoy being at an outdoor wedding.
Francesca had arrived the night before and she and Miranda had hit it off instantly just like Miranda had informed AJ they would with that knowing grin of hers. AJ had been pleased that this prediction had come true.
He asked Francesca to be in charge of greeting their guests while he and Miranda dressed for the wedding. It had been decided that Miranda would move into AJ's house and they surprised Nora and Josh by giving them the title to Miranda's house. Over the last two months Miranda had been working on moving some of her things in and combining their lives. She had actually been living with him fulltime for the last six weeks.
However, today he wasn't in the room with her, as she got ready for the ceremony with Nora's help. AJ was down the hall in the guest room getting dressed.
Admiral Boone had been called out of town on Tuesday, but the SECNAV himself, who was to be among the select few guests at the wedding, had promised Tom would be back in time even if he had to arrange for a police escort from the airport! But Tom would be cutting it close, that was why he was wearing his dress uniform when he boarded the plane in Hawaii. It got him a free upgrade from business class to first class from a flirtatious stewardess though, and he also managed to get her phone number before the plane landed.
Tom got his car from long-term parking and broke several speed limit laws getting to AJ's house. As he hurried up the steps he was pleasantly surprised to see a dark haired beauty answering the door. She smiled at him and he gave her the full effect of his 'Hi beautiful, I'm available if you're interested' smile. He knew he was running late, but he wouldn't have been human if he hadn't smiled at the lovely lady who was not wearing an engagement or wedding ring.
He quickly told her he was the best man and asked where the groom was. She pointed to the guest room and Tom promised her he would see her later. Her smile brightened at that and Tom took it as a good sign as he nearly ran down the hall.
AJ seemed calm and at ease as he finished dressing for the ceremony. He even spent a few minutes razzing Tom for his tardiness.
"Hey! You're just lucky I'm here at all! The lovely Hawaiian ladies didn't want to let me go!" Tom protested.
"Ha! They probably got together and helped you pack! Then drove you to the airport!" AJ taunted in return.
"Well Moiya did drive me to the airport, but only after a night of heavy passion!"
"Sure!" AJ hooted.
"It's true! And the stewardess on the plane gave me her phone number and to top it all off the hottie you have answering the door, gave me the once over too! I might be spending your wedding night doing the same thing you will be!" proclaimed Tom.
"Was this 'hottie' wearing a teal bridesmaid dress, with dark hair and eyes?" AJ demanded with a frown.
"As a matter of fact, she was! So you'll introduce me later and put in a good word for me?"
"That 'hottie' is Francesca! My DAUGHTER!" AJ growled.
Stunned Tom stood there with his mouth hanging open. "Sorry old man, I didn't know. Remember I've never met her…she must take after her mother because she sure doesn't have any of your ugly features!" Tom chuckled when he could finally find his voice.
"It doesn't matter who she takes after, you keep your hands off of her!" AJ warned.
"Hey! Like I would mess with your daughter! Give me some credit!"
"I know how you are with women, you were just bragging about all the women in Hawaii and the one on the plane too! So just keep your distance from Francesca, OLD MAN!" he growled.
To Be Continued….