CHAPTER 1

"Come on, we have to get moving. We're a day behind already," the blond haired Airforce Major directed. The plane they had spent forever getting to was finally in his sights and nothing was going to stop him now, no matter how tired and hungry he was. That plane had food, medical supplies, and most importantly, a one way trip back to the base. All he had to do was get aboard.

Still a good fifty yards off, he saw the side door thrown open and somehow despite his weariness found the energy to run the last length of their journey.

He had no more than set foot inside when it occurred to him the crew was entirely too quiet. One more step inside gave him a clear view of the slaughtered aircrew and the distinctive feeling he had come too far. Realization had hit just a little too late though.

\A/

"I want it to look nice, but not overly flowery," Ellie Mae said, looking once more at the list of places they had been considering for their wedding.

"Well there goes my idea for bringing in the punk rock band," Saint John teased, dropping the box of clothing onto the floor.

"Saint John."

"Sorry," he apologized. "It's just clothes though, I thought…. Never mind," he said, stretching. "I can see how Dom threw out his back though."

"You could take a break," Ellie suggested.

"I could," he agreed, "but I'd like to get everything moved in before I have to pay another month's rent for a place that's just being used for storage."

"Alright, I get it," she acquiesced, getting up from the table, "but afterward you have to help me with that. The only time I've been able to get anything from you, sarcastic or not, has been while you've been moving this stuff."

"I don't mind helping; I would just like to get one project finished before starting the next."

Ellie picked up the abandoned box of toys and started down the hall to Joshua's room. "When did all this even end up at your place? It's amazing we were ever able to get in the front door."

"There were times I wondered." He set the last box down on the bed. "That's it. I'll return the truck and we can get to the fun part - unpacking them."

"Didn't we just pack them in the first place?"

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Before we start unpacking I want to fix us a nice home cooked meal. It's been a while since I've had one, and even longer since I've cooked in this kitchen.

"Sorry," he replied sheepishly. Home cooked meals weren't exactly his specialty and the kitchen hadn't been anywhere near the top of his list of things to do.

She opened the freezer and came across another problem.

"Would you pick up something to cook while you're out? All there is in here are frozen pizzas, ice cream, and some jalapeno poppers."

"What do you want me to get?"

"I don't know, real food."

"That is real food."

"Fine, just some chicken and Bisquick. I'll make chicken and dumplings."

"Anything else?"

"No, I think that's it for now."

"See you in about forty five minutes then."