The next morning, Kat woke up bright and early but for once Connor wasn't the reason she was up so early. Someone was knocking at the door, so Kat immediately bolted out of bed, put on her robe and ran downstairs to answer the door. She opened the door to find Michael and Claudia Joy on the other side, "General Holden, Claudia Joy," Kat said surprised and embarrassed, closing her robe so the couple wouldn't see her pajamas.
"Oh we're sorry did we wake you?" asked Claudia Joy concerned, "I told him we should've called first but he insisted that Connor would have woken you up by now."
Kat shook her head, "No honestly, he normally wakes up only once a night now," she said letting the couple into the house.
Michael and Claudia Joy sat down on the couch next to Kat and Claudia Joy smiled before she said, "They found Chris."
Tears of joy immediately came to Kat's eyes and she cried into her hands to stifle a sob before she embraced Claudia Joy tightly, "Is he alright?"
"We only know a little bit, but from what we know he does have a broken arm, some cuts and bruises, but other than that, no overly serious injuries," informed Michael, "Captain Galassini will let Kevin and I know more as she finds out information from the rescue team."
Kat nodded, satisfied with the little bit of information provided, "Okay, as long as he's safe and mostly healthy," she said happily. Crying came from over the baby monitor and Kat chuckled, "If you both had come ten minutes later, he would've had me up."
Michael and Claudia Joy nodded and stood, "Well we'll keep you updated, but I believe the worst is behind you," said Claudia Joy.
Kat sighed relieved, "Thank you," she said happily embracing her, "Sir," she nodded to Michael.
"Don't thank us quite yet Colonel, we all still have to get them home," said Michael shaking her hand, "Now I think a certain someone is getting anxious and hungry."
"Oh," said Kat quickly turning towards the stairs, "Well, I'll see you at work sir, as soon as I've gotten him ready."
Jackie walked into the Hump Bar to find Holly behind the bar counter, "Good morning Holly," she greeted happily.
Holly turned around to face front, "Jackie hi, I didn't expect to you here today."
"I know," said Jackie, "I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I know how hard early pregnancy can be, especially first pregnancies."
Holly nodded understandingly and said, "I'm doing okay. It's actually worst right when I'm trying to cook dinner but Tim's been helping cook for me. Can I get you anything?"
"No, thank you," said Jackie, "Well maybe just some water."
Holly nodded and obtained the desired beverage, "So how have things been with you?"
Jackie smiled and said," They've been good Kevin's been stronger every day, Patrick is slowly adjusting to Army life, and Sophie and I are getting along well. So where's Gloria?"
Holly froze slightly and took a deep breath before saying, "She's at home. She didn't feel well so she told me to cover for her today."
"Oh well maybe I can swing by her house and make sure she's okay too," said Jackie standing up to leave.
"Jackie," Holly began and Jackie turned around to face her. Holly stuttered for a few moments before she said, "Tell Gloria I said feel better."
"Will do," said Jackie and she left, Holly sighing in relief that she was able to keep Gloria's secret a little while longer.
Gloria was trying to get some sleep which was proving to be possible with the early pregnancy symptoms. Maybe it was just because she knew she was pregnant now, but her symptoms seemed even worse than before. Her head was throbbing, her boobs were tender, and whenever she tried to move either the room would spin or she would immediately have to run to the nearest bathroom. Gloria heard a knock at the door and groaned at the thought of having to get out of bed, "I'll be there in a minute!" she shouted. Gloria stood and another wave of nausea struck her. She took a deep breath hoping it would pass and she was thankfully successful. She finally reached the door, but was overtaken with embarrassment as to who was on the other side, "Jackie?" she said shockingly, "How did you know I was here?"
"I stopped by the Hump Bar and Holly told me you weren't feeling well so I wanted to make sure you're okay," she said sympathetically.
Gloria moaned a little as she stepped aside to let Jackie into the house, "I've been better," she admitted.
"I won't stay long then," said Jackie rushing towards the door, "You should get some rest to kick whatever bug you have."
Gloria sucked in sharp breath, pondering on whether or not to tell Jackie her news. She took a deep breath and said, "I'm not sick Jackie." Jackie turned around to face Gloria, "Or at least not the kind of sick that you can catch." Jackie looked at her confusingly, "That came out really weird," Gloria admitted.
Jackie smiled slightly as she kind of knew why Gloria wasn't feeling well, thinking back to two specific times in her life, "Gloria sit down," she motioned towards the couch.
Gloria hesitantly sat down next to the older woman, grateful to be off of her feet as the nausea and dizziness had struck again, "What did you bring?" asked Gloria pointing to the bag Jackie had in her hand.
"Just saltines and ginger ale," Jackie answered, "They almost always sooth an upset stomach."
"Thanks," said Gloria appreciatively.
Jackie took a deep breath, a small smile forming before she asked, "How far along are you?"
Gloria looked at Jackie and blinked a few times before she answered, "Six weeks. Or no, seen weeks as of tomorrow." Jackie nodded sympathetically, "How did you know. Oh goodness, did Holly tell you?" asked Gloria a little perturbed.
"No," Jackie reassured the young mother-to-be, "No, I just remember my own pregnancies. The first trimester is awful."
Gloria nodded, suddenly amused, "Uh huh," she admitted, "I swear I haven't been able to keep down anything other than toast and water."
"It'll get better, I promise," said Jackie as she laid her hand on Gloria's knee, "I had the worst morning sickness when I was pregnant with Patrick I could barely keep anything down."
"Yeah, yet the doctor claims I should take in more nutrients," said Gloria.
"Well, I have to get going," admitted Jackie, "I have some errands to run for the FRG, but I wanted to make sure you were okay," said Jackie standing.
"Thanks Jackie, for the crackers," said Gloria, "But could you do me a favor and not tell anyone. Hector and I want to make sure everything is okay. My first prenatal appointment is next week."
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me," said Jackie.
Blake turned off the light to Julia's nursery and went into the master bedroom to find his wife watching the TV in their room. He crawled into bed and kissed her on the cheek, "It took a while but she's finally out like a light."
Tonya smiled slightly and turned down the volume and turned towards her husband and said, "Babe, I've been thinking. Now that Julia's six months old, I was thinking that I might be ready to go back to work part time."
"Really?" asked Blake a little surprised.
"Why are you so surprised?" asked Tonya.
Blake shrugged and said, "Just remember our anniversary you barely made it through three hours let alone a twelve hour shift," he smirked and she smacked his chest lightly.
"Behave, I'm being serious," scolded Tonya, "I mean it wouldn't be a lot, but I was thinking about doing maybe either one twelve hour shift a week or two six hour ones. I'd have to talk to Mercer to arrange a schedule, but I miss nursing."
"Well if that is what you're considering, then I fully support your decision," said Blake kissing her.
Tonya kissed him back but then said, "One thing though, either we'd have to work different days so Julia was never alone or we'd have to find a baby sitter for her."
Blake rolled over and said, "Well it's a little late right now, so maybe we should sicuss this more in the morning."
Tonya bit her lip and said, "Yeah I guess you're right," she said turning out the light.
"Good night honey, I love you," said Blake.
"I love you too."