Millie was up before Danny and Linda the following morning. She was a little bit excited but a lot anxious. She made her way down to Jack's room to see if he was up.
"Jackers," Millie whispered.
"What's up, Mil?" he yawned.
"You awake?"
"I am now," he chuckled. "Want to come hang out with me for a while before we have to get up?" Millie ran over and jumped in bed with him. "Are you excited to start your new school?"
"I don't know. You and Seany won't be there."
"No. But Dad will be right across the road, and that's even better."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. And there's no Sister Frederick. No nuns at all actually!"
Millie rested her head up beside his shoulder. "You think it will be ok, Jackers?"
Jack paused for a moment so Millie would really believe him. "Yeah, Mil. I think it will be. You're gonna be safe and I think you'll have fun. Mom said they were really nice. And they know Grandpa. That's always a plus."
"Ok."
Jack took off his watch. "Here. Wear this. That way, you can keep a check on when we'll be there to pick you up." He secured the digital watch around her tiny wrist as Danny and Linda walked through the door.
"I thought I heard voices in here," Linda smiled. "You and brother have a good talk?" Millie nodded. "Good. Let's go get dressed so you can ride with Daddy."
Millie got dressed and headed downstairs where the boys were having oatmeal. "Ready to go?" Danny asked as he filled his thermos with coffee.
"She's got to eat first," Linda instructed.
"Nah. It's a big day. We'll stop on the way," Danny winked, clearly indicating they both had a couple of doughnuts in their future.
"Ok you," Linda smiled as she handed Millie her backpack and lunchbox, "I want you to have an amazing day! I'll be there to get you when school gets out."
"Promise?"
"Promise," Linda smiled as she gave her a big hug.
"What are we listening to this morning?" Danny asked as he and Millie got in his Jeep and cranked up the radio.
"I wanna rap."
Danny cracked up. "Perfect."
The two of them jammed all the way to Providence Christian School. Danny only turned the radio down as they were wheeling into the parking lot and saw a very familiar SUV parked in the parking lot. "Well look who it is."
"Grandpa!" Millie exclaimed.
"You two got that radio loud enough?" Frank asked as he shot Danny a disapproving look.
"The Bible does say to make a joyful noise."
"Grandpa, what are you doing here?"
"Well, we thought we'd come check out your new digs. Pop and your dad saw it, but I'm the Police Commissioner. I thought it needed my stamp of approval as well."
"Is Mr. Jim here?"
"Right here, Mil," Jim smiled as he stepped into view.
"Can I?" Millie looked up at Danny.
"Sure. Go give him a hug."
Millie ran up to Jim and threw her arms around him. "Me too," Frank said. Millie wrapped her arms around him as well before taking his hand and walking in with the three of them.
"Thank you for coming, Grandpa."
"Whoa! Commissioner Reagan. Hello," Grace said as she once again greeted them in the office. "Are you here to see Millie off on her first day of school?"
"I sure am. This little girl is very important to me."
"Well, we will take excellent care of her, I assure you."
"Ready to go meet your teacher, Millie?"
Millie paused for a moment and looked up into the faces of her three favorite men. One by one, Frank, Jim, and Danny all gave her a reassuring nod.
"I'm ready," she answered as she steeled herself before grabbing Grace's hand.
"I'm just going to take one more look around," Frank said. "Have a good day, Granddaughter."
And take a look he did. Frank, Jim, and Danny walked the halls once more, pausing to look inside Millie's classroom once Grace got her inside. Danny caught her eye and gave her a smile and a wink, assuring her all was fine, before they headed out.
"Thanks for coming, Dad. You guys sure did help that go a lot smoother than I had anticipated."
"Well, we were thinking of stopping by the 5-4 anyway for roll call, so I figured we could come early and make sure this place was suitable for Millie."
"You're coming to my house today?"
"Just for roll call."
"Well, give me a five-minute head start. I can't have everyone thinking my old man brought me to work."
Frank rolled his eyes as Danny took off.
Much to everyone's delight, Millie had a very successful first three days at Providence Christian School. Linda was thrilled. Everyone was finally back into a routine and it almost seemed as though things were back to normal. By Friday, they were all exhausted. Danny had put in just short of 70 hours at work, the kids were all tired from going back to school, and Linda was worn out from making sure everything ran smoothly on top of working at the hospital. The Reagan family was all content just to stay home on Friday, order pizza, and crash in front of the television for movie night.
Linda made a huge pallet for the kids in the floor. Jack and Sean crashed while Millie opted to settle in on the couch between Danny and Linda.
"How are me and Mama supposed to share kisses if you're in between us?" Danny joked with Millie as he poked her in the ribs.
"Here," Millie grinned as she stretched up and pointed to her cheek. Danny chuckled and gave her a kiss. She immediately turned to Linda and kissed her cheek. "Now. You shared a kiss." Danny and Linda both cracked up. "And now I can stay right here."
"Yeah, you can."
The following morning the Reagans all slept in. Around 9am, Danny and Linda awoke, shocked the kids hadn't gotten them up yet. After checking on everyone, they went downstairs to start breakfast. Shortly after, Erin called Linda's phone.
"Good morning!"
"Hey, Erin. What's going on?"
"Nothing. Nicki and I just got up this morning and thought it might be fun to go on a little adventure."
"I'm listening…"
"She found The Wolf Conservation Center. It's an hour outside the city. It's got the Conservation Center and a Nature Preserve. And the best part… you get to howl with the wolves."
"Oh, the kids would love that."
"Love what?" Danny asked. "Because I'd love to sit in my underwear today. I'm exhausted. Don't let her talk you into anything."
"I've already got Jamie, Dad, and Pop talked into going if you guys want to join," Erin continued.
"Well, how could we say no?"
"Say no to what?" Danny asked. "Don't agree to anything with my sister."
"Tell Daniel that it is going to be fun, but if he insists on staying home, the rest of us can handle the kids if you guys want a day off."
"Let me talk to him. What time are you leaving?"
"We were thinking if we could leave by about 11am, we'll grab lunch along the way and then have the afternoon to play around. We should be home by 6pm or so."
"Ok. Let me talk to Danny." Linda turned to Danny who looked like an incredibly anxious little kid waiting on his turn for attention. "Nicki and Erin want to go to a Wolf Conservation Center about an hour out of the city. There's also a nature preserve, and at the center they can howl with wolves. I think they'd enjoy it. Your Dad, Henry, and Jamie are already signed up for the adventure. They leave at 11am."
"Well, I guess it would be fun for the kids… what are the odds they can take them and we can stay here?"
"Definite possibility."
"Seriously?"
"Yep."
"Oh then yes. Definitely yes. Let's go get them up."
The kids were so excited. They got up and got dressed with no problem and rushed downstairs in time to eat cinnamon rolls and cereal.
"You guys aren't going?" Sean asked.
"No. I have a lot of work to do around the house and Daddy needs to rest. He's had a tough week."
"But Pop and Grandpa and Mr. Uncle Jamie will be there?" Millie asked.
"Yep."
"And you hold one of their hands at all time. Copy?"
"Copy," Millie nodded.
Jamie and Eddie showed up to pick up the kids shortly before 11am.
"Hey! Let's go!" Jamie yelled as he knocked on the door and let himself in. "It's time for some Wolf Conservation!"
The kids all sprinted to the front door.
"Hats, gloves, and scarves, please," Linda reminded as she zipped Millie's coat.
"Here," Danny said as he handed Jamie $100. "I'm assuming this will cover tickets and lunch. If not, tell Dad I'll settle up with him when you get back."
"Alright," Eddie smiled. "Let's go. This is going to be fun."
Danny and Linda hugged all the kids and watched them drive off. "Back to bed?" Danny asked.
"I wasn't kidding. I really do have a lot of stuff to do today. I want to clean out the closet and straighten the pantry…"
Danny walked up behind her and began kissing the side of her neck. "We could do all that now, or we could go back to bed," he grinned. "Because I also wasn't kidding either. I really do want to stay in bed today."
Linda giggled. "Danny Reagan…"
"Oh, you thought I meant with you?" he chuckled.
She shook her head as she swatted him and took off upstairs. Meanwhile, Frank and Henry were both getting hungry and ready for lunch. "Pull over at the Cadillac Café. I'm in the mood for a burger and a shake."
The Reagans all piled out of the car, thankful to stop and stretch their legs. "Hey Pops, is this what restaurants looked like when you were young?" Nicki smiled as they all crowded around a table in the back, admiring the 1950s memorabilia.
"Why, yes, it is, Wisenheimer."
"Hello!" Candy, the waitress beamed as she walked up to the table. "I'm Candy and I'll be serving you today. What can we start with?"
Millie tugged on Jamie's sleeve. "Can I get red Kool-Aid?" she whispered with eyes wide open and a big smile.
"Well," Jamie answered, "Pop's having a chocolate milkshake and Grandpa's having a root beer float, so I think that will be just fine." Candy looked to the two of them for their order. "Water for me and fruit punch for my niece, please. Thank you." He picked up the menu and looked it over. "Whatcha want to eat?"
Millie studied the kids menu. "Can I have a grilled cheese?"
"Yep. I may have a grilled cheese too."
"This place is awesome!" Sean grinned as Candy delivered their drinks. His chocolate shake was exactly what he had wanted. "Good pick, Pops!"
"What did you get, Ms. Officer Eddie?"
"Strawberry shake. Yum! Want to try it?"
"No thank you. But will you braid my hair before we get to the Wolf place?"
"Sure will."
"So," Erin smiled, "do we want to do the Conservation Center or Nature Preserve first?"
The kids all looked at each other. They didn't care. They were all just in for the fun. "I want to see those wolves," Henry said. "So, as patriarch, I say we hit up the wolves first… then you crazies can run off the rest of your energy at the nature preserve while I sit and rest up for the ride home."
"Sounds like a plan."
The Conservation Center proved to be the perfect first stop. A tour guide led them throughout the grounds, teaching them all about the work and research that was done at the center. They met the three ambassador wolves and then took a ride out to the sanctuary to meet the other wolves that had been rescued and/or were being rehabilitated.
"You know," Max, the tour guide began, "I've been told that kids born and raised in New York have the uncanny ability to speak to wolves."
"Really?" Sean asked with wide eyes.
"Yep. If you guys will howl, I bet you can get these guys to howl right back."
"Awooooooo!" Sean, Jack, Millie, and Nicki all yelled. After about ten seconds, all of the wolves started howling back.
"Whoa!" Eddie exclaimed as she slapped Jamie's arm. "That's amazing! Awoooooo!"
Jamie rolled his eyes as he died out laughing. "What are these guys names, Max?"
"In this pack, we've got Titan, Lily, Archer, Lulu, and Dax."
"How many are there all together?" Jack asked.
"Here on the preserve, we've got forty-three, plus our three ambassadors back at the Center."
When the Reagans had completed their tour of the Center, they headed over to the Nature Preserve. "It's still pretty chilly, so let's limit our walk to half an hour. Copy?" Frank instructed.
"Copy that, Commissioner," Jamie laughed as he and Eddie held hands with Millie who was hot on the trail of Nicki, Erin, Jack, and Sean.
"Half a mile down this trail there's a waterfall. Can we go?" Jack asked as he looked at the map.
"Think you guys can do a mile in less than thirty minutes and still have time to look?" Erin asked.
The kids all looked at each other. "Try to keep up."
The Reagan/Boyle/Janko adventurers all took off over rocks, under limbs, and down the trail before making it to the first small waterfall.
"How pretty!" Nicki exclaimed. "Let's take a picture."
They all posed for a selfie before looking at their watches. "Ok," Jack alerted them. "We've got thirteen minutes. We've got to roll."
They hurried back to the entrance of the Preserve to find Frank and Henry, kicked back, having a cigar. "Have fun?" Frank asked.
"Pretty sure you shouldn't be smoking that, Dad," Erin scolded.
"What are they going to do, arrest me?"
"Thank you for bringing us today, Pop," Jack said. "It was fun."
"Yeah," Sean and Millie agreed. "We had a good time."
"Good! It was all your Aunt Erin's idea though."
The three Reagan kids turned and looked to Erin. "Thank you for our trip."
"You're very welcome."
"I do, however, want to make one more stop," Henry said.
"Where at?"
"It's a surprise. Let's go."
They all piled back into their cars, anxious to see what Henry had up his sleeve. They thought he'd forgotten as they neared the city, but sure enough, they took a detour and pulled up outside of Rocco's Polmero, home to the city's best cannolis. "We can't have a wonderful day without a trip to Rocco's."
"Hey, you," Linda whispered as she rolled over and looked at Danny. "Nap's over. I just got a text from Erin. The kids should be home in an hour."
"Let's cuddle for five minutes and see where that leads us." He snuggled up next to her and began kissing her neck.
"Did you hear what I just said? The kids are coming."
"Not for an hour. We cleaned the closets. You made me throw away my holey underwear. I even helped with the pantry."
She rolled her eyes. "You ate all the cookies."
"Right. I cleaned them out of the way. Now it's my turn to pick what we do. And I say we do a little more of this," he smiled as they dove under the sheets.
After finishing their cannolis and hot cocoa, Jamie and Eddie loaded up an exhausted Reagan crew and headed back to Staten Island. "We're hooooome!" Millie yelled as they burst through the door.
"Hey!" Linda and Danny both went to the door to greet them. "Did you guys have fun?"
"It was the best!" Sean exclaimed. "We howled with the wolves! And Grandpa let us pick out one to adopt!"
"Adopt?!"
"Don't worry," Jamie clarified. "It stays at the Conservation Center. You just get a picture and an email update."
"Oh," Danny sighed a sigh of relief. "In that case, cool."
"And we ate at a cool diner and stopped for cannolis on the way home!" Jack continued.
"What else did you do?" Linda asked.
"We hiked up to a waterfall."
"Wow! That sounds like a busy day. You guys want to stay for dinner?" Linda asked Eddie and Jamie.
"I would love to, but I feel like I smell like a wolf," Eddie answered.
"Yeah, you kinda do," Jamie agreed before she punch him in the bicep. "I'm kidding."
"I need a shower."
"Totally understand. Thank you for taking them."
"Anytime. We had a blast."
It was at that moment, Danny noticed that Millie had latched onto his side and hadn't let go.
"Guys, can you tell your uncle and Officer Eddie thank you?" he instructed.
"Thank you!" they all said in unison as they walked over and gave them both a hug.
"We'll see you in the morning."
Once they left, the Reagans all took a seat in the livingroom. "Mil, did you have fun?"
"It was good. We had a whole lot of fun. But I missed you."
"Aww. I missed you too. But don't worry. You didn't miss anything here. Mama made me clean house and then I took a nap. I was so sleepy."
"Will you have to work so much this week?" Jack asked, knowing that was why Danny was so exhausted.
"I shouldn't. Det. Baez and I worked so much last week that I think we about got caught up."
"You guys want to play games tonight or watch a movie?"
"Movie!" the boys exclaimed.
"Perfect! I'll pop the popcorn. But first, you all need a bath. Eddie was right. You do smell like a pack of wolves."
"Boys run up and go first. Mil, you can hang out with me and Daddy and go up when they get finished."
"I get Mom and Dad's shower!" Jack called dibs as he sprinted up the stairs ahead of Sean.
"Now," Danny smiled after they left, "tell me about your day. Did you have fun?"
"I did."
"Which wolf was your favorite?"
"I liked the little one. Her name was LuLu. They have cameras so we can watch them even when we aren't there."
"They do? That's cool."
"Yeah. And they have them in their den. That's where they sleep."
"Ah."
"What'd you eat for lunch?"
"Grilled cheese. Mr. Uncle Jamie did too. And he let me have red Kool-Aid. And Pop and Grandpa had milkshakes!"
"Oh boy," Linda smiled. "It sounds like you did have fun."
"Yep."
Over in Brooklyn, Jamie was just pulling up to Eddie's apartment to drop her off.
"Hey Reagan," Eddie smiled as Jamie walked her up to her apartment, "I had fun today."
"Me too. Thanks for the backup."
"Your nieces and nephews are the best."
"Yeah… they're good kids."
"I get why you want four now." Jamie chuckled. "I mean, they're so polite and well mannered, but fun! And the boys are so good with Millie. They are so protective yet sweet. And Nicki is such a light and a breath of fresh air."
"Eddie."
"Yeah?"
"You know I've met them, right?"
"I know. It's just… if I could guarantee four kids like that, I'd have four kids. How in the world did your family get four great kids?"
"Nuture over nature. It's all in how you raise them. Danny and Linda demand respect, just like Dad did with us, and Pop did with him. And they pour on the love. Those two are the biggest cheerleaders that those kids have… and that's pretty big when you consider Henry Reagan is their great-grandfather. Trust me on this."
"I just don't think I'd be lucky enough to end up with four kids that fantastic."
"Hey, any kid would be lucky to have you as it's mother," Jamie said, matter-of-factly as he stopped outside Eddie's door.
"Awww… thanks Reagan."
"Yeah yeah. See you Monday."
