THE LAST SHIP

BACK TO NORFOLK

Jolene gazed into Mike's eyes. For the first time she noticed how beautiful his baby blue lookers really were. As blue as the darkest depths of the seas and it seemed his navy uniform just enhanced the color of his eyes even more. There were little devils playing in his eyes. He smiled and swept a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. This was where she wanted to be. Feeling protected and safe in the arms of the man she gave herself to. "I hope this won't be over as soon as we're back in Norfolk."

"It won't be," Mike reassured her.

"I have no idea how it happened, but somehow I fell in love with you."

She closed her eyes and gasped as a feeling of ecstasy overcame her. Her body shivering underneath his. Mike remained steady for a moment. "Are you cold?" Mike asked concerned.

"No it's just you are doing something to me and..."

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes...I will marry you Mike Slattery."

He gazed into her eyes. "I love you." He continued to kiss her tenderly.

"Don't stop doing what you're doing." She closed her eyes, gasped and then whispered in his ear. "Oh Mikey."

**********

Julia stopped at the door of the state room and hesitated for a moment before she knocked on the door. When there still was no answer, she slowly opened the door of the quarters. She opened the door halfway and paused when she saw her father and Jolene together on the bed in a passionate embrace. Neither of them were aware of her presence or took note of her being there. She slowly closed the door again and then went back to her cabin.

It was after midnight when Julia returned to the state room again and knocked on the door. This time Mike walked up to the door and opened it. "Jolene..." he said before taking notice who was standing outside and only once he fully opened the door he noticed Julia standing outside with a two cans of soda in her hands.

"You were expecting someone else?"

"I thought it was Jolene. I'm sorry." Julia stepped inside and he turned his focus to the soda cans Julia was holding. "Isn't it a little late for that?"

"I was here earlier and...I kind of walked in on you and Jolene." Mike grew pale as a ghost. Julia noticed her father was a little pale around the cheeks and was somewhat embarrassed. "Don't worry dad, your secret is safe with me."

"I know, no fraternizing."

Julia held the cans of soda out to her father. "I got these for you. Compliments from Connor Levine."

"Thanks," Mike replied with a faint smile and a scowl.

"I'm sorry for being such a diva this morning."

"Yes. And please don't snub me in front of my crew again."

"I'm sorry."

Mike gently cupped Julia's chin in his hand. "Honey... Jolene thinks you hate her."

"I don't hate her dad. I'm just scared that you would forget about mom if she becomes part of your life."

"I will never forget your mother honey," Mike said while admiring his daughter. "You're just as beautiful as her. If not prettier." Julia threw her gaze to the floor and closed her eyes for a moment. "I asked Jolene to marry me. I hope we have your blessing."

Julia looked up at her father again and he could see the tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes daddy, you do."

"Oh my baby girl." Mike pulled her closer to him in a comforting embrace and kissed her on the top of her head.