Lieutenant General Michael Holden stood in the main terminal of the Charleston airport. Today, Claudia Joy would be arriving home after having spent six months with the First Lady. He was fairly certain she couldn't wait to see him and vice versa, and now he knew how it felt for her when he returned home from deployments. He saw his wife coming from baggage claim, running as fast as her legs could carry her.

"Hey there Beautiful," said Michael wrapping his arms around her when she reached him, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," said Claudia Joy pecking him on the lips, "Going away without you is always torture."

"Hm. Same with you," said Michael picking up her bags and leading her to the car, "I was thinking we could have a nice dinner and then enjoy our first night together in six months."

Claudia Joy chuckled at the twinkle in his eye and said, "I'd love that."

Denise Sherwood rolled over when her alarm went off that morning. It was both a good and bad day: she would have to live life without Frank yet again for God knows how long, but Claudia Joy was coming home today so she was looking forward to seeing her best friend again. She showered and got dressed before she made herself some coffee and checked her emails. She was a little surprised to see an email from Tonya in her inbox. It had been a while since Tonya had emailed her, though juggling college and a boyfriend was probably taking up much of Tonya's time.

Denise,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to write for a while. My schedule has been so busy and I haven't had time to blink, let alone write. Blake and I are visiting Fort Marshall next week and I was wondering if you and Frank would be available for lunch or something? Blake and I have some news, but we feel it's something we have to share with you guys face to face. Okay, I feel I have to share it with you face to face and I finally talked Blake into it. Take care and give Molly a big hug from me!

Tonya

Denise wasn't sure how to respond to Tonya's email. She knew Frank obviously would be with her if they all met up for lunch somewhere and Tonya honestly did know how they both felt about Blake Hanson. But even though she wasn't thrilled with Blake for starting an affair with a Specialist, Tonya did seem happy and Denise knew she needed someone in her life after what happened to Jeremy.

Tonya,

Frank is currently deployed to Afghanistan right now but I would love to have lunch with you and Blake. How does Tuesday at 11:30 look for you guys? We can go to the Hump or another restaurant. Why don't you both stop by my house beforehand so we can decide? See you soon.

Denise

Jackie Clarke quickly opened the door that way Kevin could wheel himself into the house. Considering that he stood up in front of the troops that day, hopefully it wouldn't be long before he was walking on his own again. Granted, Jackie knew it might be months from now, but months from now was better than never again. The couple took their places in the living room when Kevin spoke, "Hey Key?"

Jackie looked over at him and grabbed his hand, "What do you need Kevin?"

Kevin looked at their entwined hands and said, "I know I've been annoying lately but I just wanted to tell you how much I love you."

Jackie squeezed his hand with tears in her eyes, "You did an incredible job today. You set a goal for yourself and you reached it. Just like always."

Kevin leaned in as best as he could and kissed Jackie on the temple, "And just like always, we'll get through this together."

Gloria heaved a sigh and leaned against the door once she entered her apartment. She did not really know why she went down to see Hector. They would be getting a divorce sometime soon. She guessed the nurturing part in her wanted to make sure he was still okay despite what they had been through so far. She checked her schedule to find that the next few weeks were mostly taken up by shifts at the Hump Bar. Maybe a lunch date with the girls and Roland here or there. But in all she pretty much was going to be spending her time working. If only she had a little bit more to look forward to when the troops came home. If only…

Roland unlocked the door to his house and David and Sara Elizabeth ran ahead of him. Roland had invited Charlie over to keep her company since both of their wives had just left for Afghanistan.

"You didn't have to invite me over Dr. B, I would've been fine by myself," insisted Charlie though she was actually grateful for the company since Niki wasn't home.

"Charlie, trust me, the first night is always the hardest," said Roland, "Now I was thinking just some carry out pizza for the kids. Would that be okay with you?"

"Of course! Who doesn't like pizza?" said Charlie.

"Cool," said Roland as he called the pizzeria and order one large cheese pizza and one large pepperoni pizza.

Soon the pizza arrived and after dinner, Charlie asked Roland, "can I help put the kids to bed? I'll be needing the practice for when the baby gets here?"

Roland turned around and smiled, "Penny finally agreed?" Charlie grinned and nodded, "Well then, the Mom-to-be should have some practice."

Roland and Charlie first put David to bed and then Sara Elizabeth, "Night princess," said Roland.

"Night Daddy," she said. Roland and Charlie were both about to leave the room when Sara Elizabeth spoke, "Aunt Charlie?"

Charlie looked at Roland and said, "Don't worry, I've got her." Roland nodded and left the room. Charlie walked over and sat down on Sara Elizabeth's bed, "What baby girl?"

"How come I've seen you kiss that other lady?" asked Sara Elizabeth.

Charlie was confused for a few seconds before she realized Sara Elizabeth meant Nicole. Charlie took a deep breath and said, "Well you know how your Mommy and Daddy love each other so they kiss because they love each other?" Sara Elizabeth nodded her understanding, "Well Aunt Niki and I love each other as well, so we kiss because we do."

Sara Elizabeth stayed silent for a few more moments before she said, "Okay. Good night Aunt Charlie."

Charlie chuckled and said, "Good night Sara Elizabeth." She left the room and closed the door and headed home for some much needed rest after bidding Roland a good night.