Page 12 of SEAL the Deal
“No, I thought you and I could do that next week.”
“Lock it in. I’ll get something to wear at the same time. Right, now for the boys.”
“I thought I could wear dress uniform,” said Mike.
TJ coughed into his fist. “Wear a tux.”
Dean nodded in agreement. “Hey, bro. Proud of your service but this isn’t about the military. This is for you and Ali.”
Ali placed her hand on his. “I don’t mind. It’s up to you.”
“Uniforms are sexy,” added Leonie.
“Buy yourself a nice tuxedo. Every man should own one,” TJ said. “Sure, get a few photos in your dress whites, but trust me, get married with class.”
“Did you?” asked Mike.
TJ winked. “Damn straight I did. I wanted Emily to know she was marrying a man not a sailor. A man that would put her first over the service at the drop of a hat.”
Mike nodded. “Tuxedo it is.”
The Chief turned to Dean. “I’ve got an A-grade tailor that will sort both of you boys out. We’ll hook it up for next week.”
“Sounds good,” replied Dean.
“Well that’s the fashion,” said Leonie. “Next we need to talk through decorations, music, invitations, food, gifts and timings. Oh, and most importantly, an engagement party.”
Mike groaned.
Ali squeezed his hand. “Do we need an engagement party?”
Leonie shrugged. “Maybe not a party, just a sit-down dinner. I know Mom and Dad would love that.”
Ali nodded. “OK, can you come up with some options? Mike and I need to get going.”
They rose from the table and Ali hugged everyone. Then the pair disappeared out the front door leaving TJ, Dean and Leonie at the table.
“A buddy of mine owns a restaurant in town. Mike took Ali there on one of their first dates so it might be a good venue,” said TJ.
“Just ‘n’ Thyme?” asked Leonie.
“That’s the one.”
She rolled her eyes. “It took me three months to get a table.”
“Yeah, he tells me it’s doing well. I’ll make a call and let you know, but right now we get down to the real business.”
“Which is?” asked Dean.
“The bachelor and bachelorette party.”
Leonie’s eyes lit up. “Oh hell yeah. Tell me more, Mr. SEAL.”
ChapterFour
TJ’s buddy had insisted on closing one of his dining rooms to host Mike and Ali’s engagement dinner at his restaurant, Just ‘n’ Thyme. Thirty-five of their closest friends and family joined them in the romantic setting. Ali’s parents had flown in from Nebraska, Mike’s mom had come down from San Jose, and of course the team was in attendance along with their Commanding Officer.
The meal was a sumptuous three-course affair that started with oysters, progressed to lobster and rack of lamb, before concluding with a delicate adaptation of the classic, tiramisu.
