CH 6
Mike held on to Kate hand when they walk into the living room, he sat down in a seat pulling Kate onto his lap "Mike"
"What all the other seats been taken" Kate look around and notice Mike was right.
Kids and some of them husbands were on the floor. "Ok present time you men give me a hand to these gifts" Paul said.
Kate stood up so mike could get up then she sat down when mike walk over to the large Christmas tree. The men pick up gifts and past them to who names are on the gifts. Kate was shock when one of the men past her an envelope. She look at who it was from. It was from Paul and Alice.
When every one got there gifts they all started opening them. Mike walk over to where Kate is since his gifts where on the floor in front of Kate. He smile at Kate as she open the envelope and pulled out double pass to Luna theme park and two color wrist bands. When mike sat down in front of Kate leaning against the seat, he turn to see what Kate received.
"Mike what these wrist bands?"
"that means you can go on to any rides many times as you like"
"But..." mike put his hand on her knee
"mum and dad didn't know what to get you so I told them that you haven't been to the theme park" Mike said smiling.
Kate lean ford and gave him a kiss "thank you, now open your gifts"
"Yes ma'am" he turn around to open his.
Kate look up at Paul and Alice "thank you for your gift" Kate said
"your welcome" Alice said
"what did you get Kate" Jane asked
"tickets and wrist bands to Luna theme park"
"wow, have you been in there" Kelly asked
"no"
"you going to love it, I suppose you taking mike with you" Jane asked
"ah may be, why"
"mike is a big kid when it comes to there, some times I wounder who the kids is, mike or my three" Kelly said making them all laugh
"Very funny Kelly" Mike said.
Kate watch Mike open his gifts including one from Kate it was three different Hawaiian type shirts and long deamin shorts that went with them.
"Thanks Kate I love them" he turn around to her as she lean ford so he could give her a kiss
"you did say that you like them"
"Yes I did, I was planing on buying a couple"
"now you don't need to"
"True" Mike said.
Mike pick up a present and pass it to Kate "I got you this" Kate was shock as mike put it in her hand.
"mike"
"open it" Kate took the warping off then she open the box.
Kate was shock when she saw what it was. She pulled it out of it box
"mike it beautiful"
"what is it" Kelly asked. Ever one look at Kate
"Old fashion stirring silver jewelry box" Kate said when she was holding up a fifteen by ten by eight centimeter box
"wow Mike that must of cost a lot of money" Jane said
"I'm not saying how much it cost Jane. Kate open it" Kate open the box to see different areas for rings and earrings
"Here pull this" mike said pointing to a ribbon, so Kate pulled it to see the whole level pulled away
"Two levels" Kate said then she saw what was in the second level. She pick it up with her free hand then look at Mike
"mike, I love it" Kate said smiling.
She return the top level back in place then she close the lid and put the box on the table next to the chair. Mike stood up then Kate did
"Let me" Mike said
Kate past the necklace to Mike then she turn around lifting her hair up. Mike put the necklace around her neck and clap it into place. Then Kate turn around wrapping her arms around his neck giving him a kiss
"thank you for your gifts mike, I love them" she said smiling.
"what did mike get you Kate" Alice asked Kate turn to Alice showing yellow gold heart shape locket with yellow gold rope chain.
"that is beautiful Kate"
"thanks" Kate said smiling then the others wanted to take a closer look all except for Jo.
Every one has a great relaxing afternoon out side talking laughing while watching kids enjoy playing with there new toys. Later that night Mike and Kate left to head back to Mike place for the night.
The next day Mike had to work so Kate left for her place when mike left for work. Two days later HMAS Darwin left for six week patrol. It would be the last time Mike and Kate see each other till February.
When HMAS Darwin return from it patrol the crew looking forward to week shore leave after they have had a very busy last two weeks with may days and boardings. When Kate arrived back in her apartment she went and did her normal things that she dose.
That night Mike arrived with his over night bag since he was still in uniform. Kate greeted him at the door with hug and kiss "i miss you mike"
"i miss you to Kate" then he kiss her as he close and lock the door behind him.
"Mmm some thing smells good" Mike said
"dinner almost ready"
"Ok I'll go and get change"
"Ok" Mike walk down and into Kate bedroom while Kate return back to the kitchen.
When Mike walk into the kitchen he walk up behind Kate putting his hands on her hips and kiss her neck then he put his head on her shoulder
"Mmm it looks great"
"thanks, care to open the wine while I'll dish up"
"sure"
They talk about different things over dinner as well when they sitting down in the love seat with Kate snuggling up to Mike like what they always do. The next day while Mike was at work, Kate went and did some shopping.
Two months later it was Kate twentieth birthday. Mike meet Kate on the wharf since HMAS Darwin return late that afternoon. When Kate walk off the ship Mike where in civilian clothing.
"Mike" Kate put her bag on the ground so she and mike could hug and kiss
"Happy birthday Kate"
Kate felt some thing on her left so she turn to see dozen red roses in mike hand. She was shock then turn to Mike then she kiss him which cause number of wolf whistles coming from the crew. When they pulled apart they rest there foreheads together
"thank you for the roses Mike I love them"
"i knew you would, come on lets head to your apartment so you can get change"
"Why" Kate asked as she pulled back
"I'm taking you out to dinner after all it is your birthday" Kate smile
"dinner"
"Yes shall we"
"Ok" Kate pick her bag up then they walk towards the exit with there arms around each other.
That night mike took Kate to a romantic restaurant for dinner. They both enjoyed the evening talking, laughing about what been happening since they last saw each other. When they return back to Kate apartment they did there normal routine before getting into bed. Kate snuggled up to mike side and kiss him
"that you for a wonderful evening Mike"
"I'm please you enjoyed tonight"
"I am. You been so good to me, so patient, loving, under standing" Mike lean over and kiss Kate.
"I know, there is some thing I want to talk to you about"
"What is it?"
"Next month is my grand father ninetieth birthday, I would like for you to come with me to Brisbane for it" Kate look at mike in shock
"Mike I might be out on patrol"
"you won't be I've check and I spoke to mum and dad about inviting you. They said that it fine with them but it up to you"
"I don't know what to say mike"
"think about it"
"I'll think about it"
"ok" they kiss once more before Kate snuggled up to mike side as they fall asleep in each other arms.
The next day they spent the day together shopping since it was mike day off. They had a wonderful day. That night they went around to Paul and Alice place for a barbeque dinner where they all had a great evening. Then they went to Mike place for the night.
Few days later HMAS Darwin left for month patrol. Two weeks in to the patrol the bridge phone rings, the XO answered it
"Darwin, lieutenant commander Adams specking... yes she here" the he turn to Kate
"McGregor it for you" Kate was shock then worried some thing happen to mike so she walk over to the XO taking phone from his hand
"Midshipmen McGregor hello"
"Kate it mike, I hope I didn't call you in a bad time" Kate relax knowing that mike is ok
"No sir what can I do for you sir"
"Kate sorry to call you like this, have you decided on coming to Brisbane in two weeks I got to let the hotel know if you coming or not" Kate smile a little
"I'll go sir" she knew Mike would be grinning
"great I'll call them now, talk to you when you return, fair winds" then they hung up.
Kate turn to see every one looking at her "Every thing alright McGregor" Captain asked
"yes sir" then Kate return back to her work station while every one return back to what they were doing.
Two Weeks later HMAS Darwin return back to port so the crew could have a week shore leave. Since it was Thursday Kate was able to do some shopping for an hour before the shops close up for the day. That night Mike showed up at her apartment with an over night bag and dinner.
"Miss you" Kate said as she hug and kiss mike
"Miss you to, here" He past her a bag that got Chinese food in it and bottle of wine
"thanks"
"I'll go and get change"
"ok"
mike walk down and into bedroom while Kate walk into the kitchen where she dish up dinner. When mike return after getting change he open the bottle of wine.
"Looking ford to going to Brisbane tomorrow Kate"
"Yes, who going to be there?"
"all of the family"
"How many" Kate asked and she walk over to the table carrying two dinner plates since mike pour the wine.
"About two hundred plus, that just from the family"
"two hundred plus" Kate said as she put the plates on the table before sitting down
"Yeah, dad one of eight kids four boys, four girls"
"wow" mike pour the wine before sitting down.
"What can you tell me about them"
"well they all married and got kids of there own. I'm the only Flynn boy out of all the grand children"
"what do you mean"
"My uncles they all got daughters" Kate look at mike while she thought about what he said
"Last of Flynn breed" mike laugh
"Yeah, when I was born, grand dad he was over the moon that one of his sons produce a son, he was so happy that the Flynn name will carry on"
"I bet he was mike"
"When I last visit grand dad it was before I was temporary transferred on to Darwin for the two patrols last year. Grand dad ask me when am I going to settle down and get married and produce him a great grand son" Mike said smiling
"what did you tell him"
"I haven't meet the right women"
"what did he say to that"
"He said to me I better go fishing" Kate laugh
"that so funny mike. Tell me about your grand father" She asked before sipping her wine.
Mike share some stories about his grand father which made her smile. "your grand father was a rear admiral when he retired"
"Yep"
Kate ask mike number of questions about his grand father which mike was able to answer them. After dinner and dishes were done, they walk into the living room with cup of coffee in hand. They sat down in the love seat while talking some more about mike Family till it was getting late so Kate took care of the mugs then she and mike went to bed since mike got work in the morning.
The next day Kate pack a bag for the weekend she looking forward to going away for three days, She contacted her CO to let him know just in case Darwin was crash sailed while Kate was away.
Late that afternoon Kate walk out side her apartment building with her bag when taxi showed up. Kate smile when she saw mike in the back seat. Kate pass her suit case to the driver so he could put it in the boot of the car while Kate got in the back seat giving mike a kiss.
"Looking ford to the trip Kate"
"Yes I am, you"
"I am" Kate put her seat belt on just as the taxi driver got in then he drove them to the air port. Mike and Kate talk till the taxi stop at the unloading zone at the air port.
Few hours later Mike and Kate walk in to there luxury room hotel suite at the sofitel Brisbane center hotel. When they walk into there room and put there bags on chairs, they look around the room
"wow mike this must cost a lot for one night" Mike walk over to Kate wraping his arms around her waist
"It worth it Kate, so hungry" Kate smile then kiss him
"Yes I am"
"Great lets go out and get some dinner"
"do you know a place"
"Yes"
"Ok but first I need to go to use the head"
"ok"
Kate went to the loo then she and mike left few minutes later to a place Mike knows which was a ten minute walk away from the hotel.
The next morning Mike and Kate arrived at rest home where Mike grand father is. Mike held onto Kate hand as they walk into the rest home and down to the dinning area. They could hear a lot of people talking as they got closer.
When they walk into the room there was a lot of people every where. Mike and Kate walk though the people saying hi to them till Mike saw his grand father so he and Kate slowly walk over to him since he was talking to couple of family members
"Grand dad" the guy turn and then he smile
"mike, you made it" they both hug
"Yes grand dad I did"
"how are you caught any great looking fish yet" mike grin
"May be"
"and who is this lovely looking lady" Kate step next to mike
"Retired real admiral Connor Flynn, this is midshipmen Kate McGregor, my girl friend"
"It an please to meet you sir" Kate said shaking his hand
"Like wise, midshipmen, how long have you been in the navy Kate"
"I join three years ago. Been station on HMAS Darwin in the past fourteen months sir"
"Enjoy it"
"loving it sir"
"Stop calling me sir, call me Connor"
"Yes sir...connor" then he turn to look at Mike
"you got a great looking fish there don't let her get away"
"I won't grand dad"
"Kate sit with me, tell me a bit about your self and how did you meet Mike" Connor said as he jester to couple of seats. They both sat down to talk.
Mike left them to talk while he went and got him and Kate a drink as well say hello to some of his family. When he saw his parents he walk over to them
"Mike you made it"
"Yes mum we made it" they hug.
"where Kate"
"Talking to grand dad"
"Ok, have you talk to to your sisters"
"Yes I said hi to Kelly and Kayla when Kate and I arrived"
"Ok all the family made it"
"I can see, I notice Jo didn't look happy when she saw Kate with me"
"don't worry about her son, give her time"
"i know"
they talk for few minutes then Mike went and got Kate and him self a drink then he walk back over to where they are. When he saw them, Connor said some thing to Kate which made her laugh.
"Grand dad I hope you not telling stories" Mike said as he step ford passing Kate a drink
"Now would I do that"
"Yes you would grand dad" mike said grinning then he look at Kate
"He was telling me about what you were like as a baby Mike"
"Which story"
"the one where you peed on connor after he gave you a bath when you were three months old" Kate said grinning
"Grand dad" mike look at him.
"Why not, she told me how you two meet and how ask her questions about different things on the bridge"
"Yeah, she knew her stuff"
"she corrected you, she told me"
"Yes she did." they talk for a few minutes then mike and Kate left to talk to some of mike family while Paul and Alice walk over to connor.
"Well dad what do you think of Kate" Paul asked
"Very smart young lady, what do you know of her"
"Dad lets go some place private to talk"
"Paul"
"Trust me dad"
They and Alice walk out of the room and down and in his bed room where he sat on the bed while Alice close the door then she sat down next to Paul since there was a chair and lazy boy in the room.
"Dad what we going to tell you will shock you about Kate. She said it was ok to tell you if you asked about her"
"It can't be that bad"
"Dad try night mare, hell" Alice said
"Ok tell me about Kate"
Paul and Alice told Connor about Kate up bringing, the rapes, the attempted suicide, every thing right up till she join the navy and being the top student in the academy. By the time Paul and Alice finish telling him every thing including what happen last Christmas, connor was shock.
"oh my... that young lady been though hell alright. As you said Alice cause of what happen to her made her stronger to the person she is today"
"that she is dad, she been through so much and Mike he been patient with her."
"that good to know and I notice some thing with mike when he interduce me to Kate"
"what that dad" Paul asked
"He different, I meet some of his other girl friends but with Kate it different I see it in his eyes like when you Paul first interduce me to Alice, you and mike got that same look"
"sparkle in the eyes" Alice said
"Yes and love a special type of love. Mike caught him self the best fish ever and he better not let her get away or he have me to deal with" they laugh
"We better get back to the party dad" Paul said as he stood up
"Yes we should before some of the family send out a search party" they stood up and walk out of the room and walk down to the dinning room.
Every one had a great day, they had finger food for lunch and every one sang happy birthday as cake was wheel out on a large trolley with two lit candles one was zero and the other nine. After he blow them out every one clap and cheered.
"Thank you all for being here, I know a lot of you travel from over seas to be here today, thank you all of you for coming. It good to have family and friends here today... Mike, my grand son" he turn to mike and Kate who was standing next to him
"I would like to talk to you in private before you go and my advice is don't let that good looking fish get away from you"
"Yes grand dad" Mike said as every one laugh.
"Since I don't know how much time I have left, I'm please that every one is here today, thank you for coming" Every one clap then they started talking once again.
Connor walk around the room thanks every one in person till he stood in front of Jo. He held on to her hands while looking into her eyes.
"Jo I know you don't like Kate tell me why"
"She told family some bull crap sop story about her being raped, she doesn't look like a rape victim and I think she using and string mike along to climb up the ranks. Just like all his other ex girl friends"
"I know your very protective of mike Jo and I know how fussy you are, you always been like that and very protective just like Paul is"
"i know that grand dad"
"I know about Kate up bring and what happen on Christmas day, Paul and Alice told me every thing" Jo look at her grand father in shock
"Jo what you said about Kate I didn't like what words you use about her, what you said is not on, yes I know you trying to protect Mike"
"Well she is using him and that story about being rape that some story she made up" Jo said rolling her eyes
"Jo" connor said in command tone, Jo look at him in shock she never heard him talk that way to her before in her life
"what Kate said isn't some bull crap story, what she told you and the family is true"
"what" Jo said in shock
"Paul did a back round check on Kate, what she told you on Christmas day is true, the rapes, the abuse every thing it all true" Jo look at her grand father with her mouth open
"It not a story she made up" Jo said
"no it all true Kate is a rape victim Jo. She come along way since then and from what I've been told it will be a while before she can fully give her self to a man, to Mike. Mike knows this and he patient and he letting her decided when time is right and when she ready. You my dear you got a lot to think about and you got to apologize to Kate for the way you treated her. She never treat you bad once Jo. Plus remember this Mike loves her and they been together for a short while. They getting to know each other before taking the next step. Look at you and Adam you both grew up together." then he patted her hand
"Get to know Kate like the rest of the family is. She might surprise you"
"i will grand dad"
"good girl. That all I ask for you." then they both hug before he walk over to another family member leaving Jo to think about what Connor said.
Hour later Mike went to see connor before he and Kate left to head back to the hotel since the family getting together for dinner at a restaurant. Mike and Connor walk down and into Connor bedroom where they talk for over an hour before they return back to the party since people were starting to leave.
Later that evening Paul, Alice and there family meet up at restaurant, Mike brought Kate with him since Paul and Alice invited her as well. They all talk and laugh about different things while enjoying there dinner. After dinner mike and Kate on the dance floor for a dance while the rest of the family watch them as they dance to a slow song. Then Paul and Alice join them on the dance floor couple minutes later.
"they look so happy" Kelly said
"Who" her husband asked
"mum, dad, Mike and Kate"
"I agree so shall we join them" Kelly smile
"love to" Kelly and her husband stood up and walk to the dance floor where they join the others.