Christmas Day: A year and a couple months later

-Catherine's POV-

It was 3am on Christmas Day which marks a year since Vincent had gotten shipped off again. He was not supposed to go but some law made all men between the ages of 18-35 to serve even if they served before. He had missed the twins third birthday and Ethan's first birthday. He even missed Ethan's first words and steps. Their modeling careers were booming though and I think that help Vanessa get through and hide the pain she was in of missing her dad. VJ and Ethan came in asking where he was at and when he was coming home every night. I tried so hard for Ethan to know Vincent so when he did come home he wasn't afraid. We are in California right now for what the kids think is another photo shoot and interview but I know otherwise. Vincent was coming home today and I was nervous and excited. I cannot wait to see the looks on their faces.

-A couple hours later-

I let them open a couple of their gifts before we headed off to the place of the shoot. Vanessa was perky but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I cannot stand it. I hope we get there soon.

-At the shoot-

"Do you mind if we ask you questions and take the pictures at the same time?" The photographer asked looking at the children.

The three of them looked at each other and then Vanessa spoke.

"No that's quite alright."

The reporter started asking questions one by one but then asked about their father and where he was on such a special day. That's when they all looked down and Ethan cuddled into Vanessa's side which led for VJ to cuddle into Ethan's side. It was cute and sad at the same time seeing the oldest and only girl sitting strong and comforting her brother's.

"Shhh shh shh" I heard her say "He'll come back soon. He's even supposed to facetime us later when we open the rest of our gifts." She said smoothing their hair and wiping the tears out of their eyes.

"He's been shipped off somewhere and he's not supposed to be back for another 3 to 6 months." She said to the reporter.

"Is that right?" A voice said. It was Vincent's.

"DADDY!" I heard them all say and run towards flashes from the photographer and people taking videos and then the whole studio erupted in applause.

"I missed you dad." Vanessa said. VJ was crying into Vincent's shoulder. Ethan was just touching his face and giggling. It made my heart swell. That was my family. As I got over to them finally Vincent wrapped me in their tight group hug and mumbled how he missed us all so much.

"Let's go home." I said and off we went.

Authors note: happy holidays