Jo is taken to the ship’s medical room and we wait in the officer’s mess. Pete stayed with her and the rest of us look at each other with worried expressions.
Rachel shakes her head. “I hope we haven’t blurted something out we shouldn’t have.”
Jenny nods miserably. “She’s going to be so mad at us. I thought I was the only one who knew because she told me not to tell anyone.”
I nod in agreement. “Me too.”
Rachel agrees. “Me too.”
Luke laughs softly.
“It would appear the only one she didn’t tell was the possible father to be.”
Rachel looks worried.
“Poor Pete. That must have come as quite a shock.
We all nod and fall silent as we think about the sparks that about to fly.
Mark looks at us reassuringly. “She’ll be fine. It happens all the time. People aren’t used to the motion onboard a ship and what with the temperature, I’m just surprised she was the only one. That’s all it will be and you will laugh about it tomorrow.”
Rachel smiles at him. “Yes, you’re probably right. You must be regretting inviting such a group of landlubbers on board.”
I watch as he throws her that look - you know the look of the interested, and my anxiety levels reach code red. Then he says. “Why don’t you all come back tomorrow night? We have an officer’s party here in the mess and you would certainly make it more fun than the usual ones we have.”
Rachel looks at him, her eyes shining. “Are you serious? That would be amazing.”
Jenny and Flynn nod in agreement and I look at Luke with trepidation. Shrugging, he just smiles. “Thanks, I’m sure everyone would love it. What time does it all kick off?”
“Come around 9 pm. It’s not much, just a few drinks and some music. We’re here for a few days so we may as well have some fun.”
As he says it he turns to Rachel, and she smiles at him with a smile that has no business being directed by a married woman. This is not looking good for Lorenzo.
It must be half an hour later that the ship’s doctor comes in and updates us on Jo’s condition. He smiles at our worried faces.
“Your friend will be fine. She just fainted as we thought and didn’t hurt anything on the way down. I’m not sure about the ship though.”
We laugh politely but my anxiety is overpowering my mind as to what is going on in there now. Jenny says hesitantly.
“Is… um… Pete still with her?”
The doctor smiles.
“Yes, I believe they are having quite some conversation in there. I thought I’d best leave them to it. It would appear they have some matters to sort out.”
Luke takes my hand and says, “Come on, let’s give them some privacy. I think there may still be a few glasses of champagne left upstairs.”
We follow him back to the party but I’m sure I’m not the only one who dreads what will happen when Jo catches up with us.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. I just enjoy spending time with Luke on board this impressive vessel and try to burn the memories into my mind for posterity. If this all ends in a few days’ time I will need to call on them to get me through life. How can anything ever top meeting this dream guy and experiencing the ultimate trip of a lifetime? I try to ignore the little voice inside me shouting that I’m heading for a very big fall from a great height when this bubble bursts.
Shortly before we leave, Jo and Pete re-surface from the sick bay. My heart lifts as I see them walking hand in hand with extremely happy smiles on their faces. They head over and the three of us look at Jo guiltily.
I say somewhat nervously, “Are you ok, Jo? I’m so sorry we blurted out your… um… condition.”
She surprises me by just laughing happily.
“Think nothing of it. It had to come out sometime and what better way than that. I’m not going to lie, the thought of all those hot sailors coming to my rescue is a dream come true.”
Pete frowns and Jo giggles and kisses him on the cheek, saying, “But there was nobody I would rather wake up to than this gorgeous man of mine.”
Rachel looks confused. “That bump on your head must have either knocked some sense into you or erased your memory. What did we miss?”
Jo laughs.
“When I came round and saw Pete gazing at me with so much love, I knew that he was mine. I may have been annoyed with him but that doesn’t matter anymore. It’s his face that I want to see every day for the rest of my life because despite what has happened, I love him. We talked, and I told him of my worries and insecurities.”
Pete nods and looks at her fondly.
“She should have said something earlier. As if I want anyone else when all I ever want is here holding my hand. The thought that we may become three is the best news I have ever had.”
He kisses her lightly on the lips and then pulls away and drops to one knee before us all. I gasp, as I reach for Luke’s hand. Oh my God, this is so happening right before my eyes and those of the Queen’s men.
We all stand watching what we know is going to happen, in complete silence. Pete looks at Jo adoringly and says softly.
“I love you, Jo. You are my girl and always have been. You are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one I want to love and protect and devote my life to making you happy. There is no room left in my heart for anyone else because you fill it so completely. Please, will you marry me Jo, and make me the happiest man alive?”
There is silence as the whole ship watches the spectacle. All around us is a sea of white uniforms and speechless guests. Everyone holds their breath as a huge smile breaks out over Jo’s face accompanied by a whole lot of tears. Nodding furiously, she shouts loudly, “Yes, I’ll marry you. Of course, I will.”
Then they are hugging and kissing as loud cheers break out all around the ship. The music starts up again and we all surge towards the couple to congratulate them. As I hug my friend, I feel the tears spilling down my cheeks. “Congratulations, Jo. I know you will both have a long and happy life together.”
I watch as Rachel squeezes her tightly and note the tears in her eyes. Jenny shrieks and dances up and down on the spot as Pete shakes hands with everyone that he can.
I look at Luke and he smiles at me and my heart melts. What I wouldn’t give to end up with him. How lucky would I be if that ever happened? The trouble is, the moment of truth is fast approaching and it’s scaring the hell out of me. How will I bear to say goodbye to the man who has captured my heart?