Page 31 (1/2)

Once Shana and Ada had happened fast, but not quite as fast as originally planned Fortunately--for the convenience of the guests--it had taken place in Seattle, not Hawaii No sooner had Ali returned to San Diego in Dece Fro she heard, in phone calls and e- life in Honolulu

At the end of her tour, Alison had left the USS Woodrow Wilson and within a matter of weeks was released froned a lease on the rental house in Seattle, Ali was able towell Ali liked Seattle and it was as good a place to settle as any

The retired couple who’d purchased Shana’s ice-crea and helpful when Ali arrived in Seattle They loved her daughter and she loved them, too

"Mom," Jazmine repeated "Do you remember what today is?"

As if anyone needed to remind her "Yes, sweetheart, I reme Cohter felt it was necessary to tell her, anyway "What tiently

"One o’clock in Pike Place Market" Alison had arranged a half day off before she’d been hired at West Seattle Hospital Her hand shook as she brushed her hair Frank and Alison talked nearly every day and sent e-es when it wasn’t possible to chat on the phone

Because of Navy regulations, they’d controlled their growing attraction and their intense feelings for each other while they were aboard the carrier But now that Alison had been officially discharged, they were free to explore those emotions, and to express the; Alison had o with the USS Woodrow Wilson

"He’s going to ask you to hter had turned into a ro efforts with Shana and Adairl was convinced she had an aptitude for this

"Mom, Commander Dillon would be a fool not to marry you"

Frank and Jazhter knew so she didn’t, but Alison doubted it

"You’re in love with him," Jazmine said with all the confidence of one who had insider information, "and he’s crazy about you"

"Jazmine!"

"Yup, that’sbreath "I’m very fond of Frank… He’s a wonderful hter said

"I know and I like him, too"

"Like?" Jaz? I don’t understand adults Every time I tell him he should marry you, Coed that her daughter had this sort of conversation with Frank Her face burned with ine what he o ballistic on me, Mom You know Commander Dillon and I e-mail each other"

"Yes, but…"

"Okay, okay," Jaz her patience "Here’s the deal You and Co out for you, just let ht, isn’t he?"

"I invited him, but--"

"He’ll be here" She kissed Alison on the cheek and added, "I’ve gotta go or I’ll be late for the bus Have a great day" With that Jazrabbed her coat and backpack, and adjusted her hood against the January drizzle

Alison followed her to the door and watched her daughter meet her friends and walk to the bus stop Jaz with Frank would have a fairy-tale ending Alison wished she shared her daughter’s positive attitude She was nervous and didn’tit

In an effort to settle her nerves, Alison reached for the phone to call her sister Re the time difference between the West Coast and Hawaii, she replaced it Eight Seattle time was far too early to phone Shana and even if she reached her, Alison wouldn’t knohat to say

By noon when she left the hospital and drove into don Seattle her stomach was in a state of chaos Jazmine knew her far too well Alison did love Frank She had forat the tied last suer in the Navy, there were no official barriers between them As for other kinds of obstacles…She didn’t know

After parking in a waterfront lot, Alison cli in the back entrance They’d agreed toin front Her heart pounded hard, but that had little to do with the flight of stairs she’d just clilance at her watch told her she was fifteen minutes early

A part of her feared Frank wouldn’t show Shades of that old movie, An Affair to Reray This was an oers were busily arranging seafood on beds of crushed ice as tourists and shoppers crowded the aisles With extra ti But her nerves were stretched so tight she didn’t think she was capable of doing anything

To her surprise, Frank was already there, looking around anxiously He seemed uncomfortable and unsure of himself, and almost immediately Ali’s unease left her

"Did you think I wouldn’t co over to meet him

From experience, Alison knew Frank wasn’t a man who smiled often But when he saw her, his face underwent a transforrin