Good news! You guys get two chapters today because I got really into the story today. LOL. As always, please read and review

Mayfield- Galassini House…

The phone rang in the middle of dinner for Charlie and Nicole. Nicole got up and answered it, "Captain Galassini," she answered.

"Hello Captain, it's General Holden," said Michael.

Nicole stood up a little straighter as if he was in the room, "General Holden sir, how can I help you?"

"No need to be concerned Captain. Claudia Joy and I are hosting a Fourth of July bar-b-que and we were both wondering if you and Charlie were interested in attending?" said Michael.

"Is it on the fourth," asked Nicole, "I mean the actual day?"

"Yes Captain," said Michael.

"And who will be in attendance"

"Oh my God, Niki," Charlie sighed shaking her head. Nicole glared at her.

"You know the usual crowd. My family, the Sherwoods, the Leblancs, the Burtons, the Clarkes, the Cruzes the Jones, and you two if you accept," said Michael, "The Morans are also flying into town this weekend so they'll be there too."

"I'm sorry, I've never heard of the Morans but okay, Charlie and I will be there. Um, but since I'll be off, Charlie has her twenty week ultrasound that morning," said Nicole.

"That's not a problem Captain, the party isn't until noon anyway," said Michael.

"Do we have to bring anything sir?" asked Nicole.

"Just you two and the twins," chuckled Michael, "And FYI, Chase Moran is an ex Delta member. And his wife Pamela will be the red head attached to Roxy Leblanc's side the moment they arrive."

"Okay. Have a good day sir," said Nicole.

"You too Captain," said Michael and they both hung up.

"What was that about babe?" asked Charlie slowly making her way to the kitchen.

"The Holdens are having a cookout on the Fourth of July," answered Nicole, "And General Holden asked if we wanted to go."

"And it's in the afternoon?" asked Charlie.

"Relax Charlie. I told him you have your ultrasound that day," said Nicole laying her hands on Charlie's very noticeable swell.

"And there's going to be people we don't know," said Charlie.

"Just one family," said Nicole, "Apparently they're close to Lieutenant and Mrs. Leblanc so I'm sure they'll be fine with us."

Charlie smiled, "Since when did you become the one not afraid to hide our relationship?"

Nicole looked down at Charlie's swell, immeasurable excitement building inside her every time she laid eyes on it, "I don't know. I guess when I learned that people will accept us. And also when it became more about these little guys. Or girls. Or both."

Charlie bit her lip, "Niki, that's why it might be an idea to find out their genders. I mean it's just as exciting at twenty weeks as it is at birth."

Nicole sighed and sat on the couch, "I know it is. I'm just… scared that's all."

Charlie came over and sat down next to her, "Why would you be scared?"

"I guess I'm just scared that one or both of them are girls," said Nicole, "I mean, I was never a girly girl. And for the longest time, I didn't even understand why I was attracted to girls in high school and not the boys. I just don't know if I'd be a good mother to a girl. Especially in the teenage years."

Charlie took Nicole's hand, "Honey, even if they are girls, I think you'll be a great mother. I mean you're a great soldier, a loving wife, a good friend. It'll be okay," said Charlie, "And besides, we can't change anything so we might as well find out now. If they are girls, it'll give you some time to get used to the idea. And besides, if they're boys you can't name them Nicole and Charlotte Jr."

Nicole laughed then heaved a sigh, "Fine. But if they are girls, I'm leaving you to the really girly stuff."

"No problem Captain," said Charlie, "I'll make sure they're little princesses."

"Oh Charlie, don't get ahead of yourself."