As everyone woke up, I was in the kitchen beginning the breakfast. Jan was the next to wake after me. She came into the kitchen and started to get nervous at finding me there cooking. I reassured her that I wanted to be there doing that, and that she should take a break, relax and just enjoy the much needed rest.
May walked in soon after Jan and they watched me as I maneuvered around the kitchen, cooking up a storm. I was having fun. I had used to get up and make the Sunday breakfast for my wife…so long ago it seemed. At that point my thoughts were frozen in time. I hadn't been thinking of her for several days now.
I stopped and just thought about that,coming to the conclusion that she would have been all right with May. I had a good feeling and knew that at long last I could put her to rest completely. The whole reason for this trip of course had been to do just that. How it was all turning out was the surprise.
I soon had the hotcakes, bacon, eggs, and hash browns ready to serve and as I was setting up the table, Jan made some toast. May helped me to set things up and just as we all finished, Carl, Julie, and Ann walked in.
"Timing is everything. Breakfast is served."
Julie smiled as I gestured at them to sit down. Turning to look at Jan she spoke.
"Well, you did a very good job with breakfast Jan. Quite a spread considering that we kept you up till the wee hours last night."
"I didn't make this one sweetie. He did. All by himself. Well, except for the toast. I did do the toast."
"Wow…Bill can cook too? Will wonders never cease?"
"Get to know me some more and I am sure I will have lots more surprises for you."
"Of that I have no doubt…dad."
Hearing her call me dad caused a momentary feeling of discovery. I had a daughter, all grown up, yet I had not been there while she had truly needed me. I hoped that there would be some way I could make up for that eventually.
Looking at Julie, I could not see any resemblance to my ex-wife at all. If anything, she looked much like my mother and grandmother had looked at that age. I found that everyone was staring at me…and looking down I realized that I was holding the heaping plate of hotcakes in my hands staring off into space.
I placed the plate on the table and quickly sat down between May and Julie. May reached out and lightly rubbed my back, giving me a little momentary hug. Julie smiled at me with a look I could not quite describe. Sort of like a cat that had the canary look. Anne also had that look too. I had to wonder what they were planning now?
Our breakfast was a good time for all. I noticed Carl and Jan were holding hands and touching quite a bit. More like intimate lovers than fuck buddies, so I had my ideas that when May and I got married, Carl and Jan would probably soon follow, if not marry at the same time.
I got up to start the dishes and May, Julie and Anne shushed me out of the kitchen along with Carl and Jan.
"You guys go on up and enjoy some peace and quiet. We will do the dishes."
We went to the main living room and kicked back enjoying the sunny day. Carl cleared his throat, then began to talk to me in a lower voice than normal.
"Bill, do you think…I mean…Jan and I were wondering if…"
"What? You need some time alone? I can go out in the skiff if…"
"No, not that." His voice got stronger now. Like his mind was made up about something. "We were wondering if May could marry us. On the yacht right here today?"
"Uh…to tell you the truth I'm not sure what May's rights as a yacht Captain are for sure. I guess we could ask her and she should know. I know she has a one hundred ton license and lots of paperwork to be a Captain of a vessel."
"Do you think she would perform the ceremony though? I mean, we are just crew in fact."
"Why don't you ask me?"
May strode into the room with a quick gait of confidence and happiness. She sat by me and then gave me a little kiss on my cheek. Hugging me close for a bit, then releasing me to turn to Carl and Jan.
"So, you two want to get married?"
"Um…yes Ma'am. Jan and I have been talking about it for a bit now."
"Well, my Captain's license gives me the power and right to marry couples at sea. Technically, we are not quite at sea, but when we head on up towards Seward, we will be on the open ocean and at sea. In fact though, I think I could marry you both right here and now too. I will leave it up to you two to decide when and then I'll be here for you to do just that."
Jan squealed then held her hands over her mouth. I could see that her happiness was complete at that moment. This was something I had expected. Just not quite in this manner. I watched as Carl and Jan hugged and kissed. Then they got up and hugged and kissed May too. I smiled and just watched.
Jan turned to me and gave me a huge hug and kiss thanking me for letting them get married on my yacht. I was surprised at this. I had figured that we were one big happy family and that my permission was never a questioned thing. Carl shook my hand, then leaned in and gave me a manly hug. I was truly happy for both of them.
They left, heading off to one or the other's cabin for some…quality time together. May moved around and sat on my lap. Hugging her close to me we kissed long and hard. As she sat back to catch her breath I had to ask her, my heart bursting now with all the excitement going on.
"Do you want to get married with them? Can you perform your own wedding on board ship?"