Danny had big plans for Valentine's Day. He had already secured a room at Hotel Wellington as well as Henry and Frank to babysit. "Millie Reagan! Come here please!" Danny yelled as he sat in the kitchen with the boys, helping with homework.
Millie popped her head in from the livingroom. "Yes sir?"
"Come here. While Aunt Linda's in the shower, the four of us need to talk."
"Ok." Millie walked over to where Danny was sitting and leaned up against him.
"You know what this weekend is?"
"Valentine's Day," Jack answered.
"Exactly. I've got a surprise planned for Mom this weekend. I'm taking her on an overnight date and you three are going to stay with Grandpa. Copy?"
"Copy," they all answered.
"I'm picking you up tomorrow, so as soon as we get home, I need you to pack a bag with enough clothes for Saturday and Sunday."
"Can we pack tonight?"
"Nope. I don't want Mom to know. And make sure you pack something nice. I bet Grandpa takes you somewhere fancy."
"Ok."
"Silly Millie, you good to stay with all these boys for a couple of nights?" Millie nodded. "Good deal."
The following afternoon, Danny picked the kids up from school and they all rushed home to pack. The minute Linda walked through the door, he handed her a single red rose and told her they were headed out for the evening. Since he already had the Jeep packed with all of their suitcases, they all jumped in, the kids about to bust to tell her the secret and headed to Bay Ridge.
"Come on, Mil Mil. Where's Uncle Danny taking me?" Linda looked to the backseat where Millie sat between the two boys. She put her finger and thumb up to her lips as if she were zipping them shut.
Sean chuckled. "We can tell you where we're going."
"Well, seeing as how this is Bay Ridge. I'm guessing Frank's."
"Good detective work, Mom."
Henry met them all at the door. "Get going," he told Danny. "I've got these three. And Nicki's coming over later so Millie will have a little girl power."
"Ok," Danny said as he sat down Millie's suitcase beside Henry and looked at his three. "Be good for Pop and Grandpa. Mind your manners and don't make a mess. Copy?"
"Copy," they all answered.
"I'll see you at church on Sunday." He hugged the three of them before turning to get back in the Jeep.
"Bye, Mom!" Jack and Sean waved.
"Mr. Uncle Danny!" Millie called.
"So close," he thought, fearful Millie was about to melt down and delay their trip. He turned back around as she ran over and threw her arms around him.
"I love you."
"Oh that's a good hug," he said as he squeezed her back. "Love you too. Have fun this weekend."
"Bye, Mrs. Aunt Linda," Millie waved as Danny got in the Jeep.
"Did we do it?" Danny asked as they pulled away. "Did we actually just make a getaway for Valentine's Day weekend? No kids?"
"We did," Linda smiled as she grabbed his hand. "Now, are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"Ummmm….." Danny looked at her and grinned. "No. Sit back and relax. We'll be there soon."
"Dad!" Frank heard Erin yell as she and Nicki made their way in through the kitchen. "We're here!"
"Hey! There are my girls," he smiled as he walked in from the sunroom. "We're in here watching a hockey game. Want to join?"
"No… I'm dropping and going for a massage."
"Ok. Have fun."
"Will do. Thanks, Dad."
Erin wasn't lying… she just wasn't being entirely truthful. She smiled to herself as she made her way to a Junior Suite at the most elegant hotel in Manhattan. She knocked on the door and took a step backwards. In a matter of seconds, Jack was at the door, wrapped in a white fluffy robe, looking like a million dollars.
"Hi," he smiled his thousand-watt grin as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her inside.
"I brought wine and cheese," she said in between kisses as he back-peddled toward the bed.
"I move that we save it for later, Counselor. Want to slip into something more comfortable?"
"Already ahead of you," Erin giggled as she took off her trench coat to reveal an emerald green negligée.
Jack made his way into the kitchen where Frank was refilling his drink. "Hey Grandpa."
"Hi." Frank could tell something was on his mind. "What's up?"
"What are we doing tomorrow?"
"Well, Pop and I thought about taking you guys to a show. That seemed to work well last time. What do you think?"
"Oh. Ok."
"Jack, what's up? What do you want to do?"
"I kinda wanted to go out with Sommer Thornby… her parents said it was ok with them if I go on a day trip with them up to Niagara Falls and then back to the city for dinner. I brought my birthday money so I have money… and I have her present that Mom and I bought a while back."
"Is it ok with your dad?"
"I haven't asked. I figured I'd ask you first."
"Are you going to treat her with the upmost respect as a lady?"
"Yes sir."
Frank sat for a minute. "Well, I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll call your dad."
"Thanks, Grandpa!"
"You got it."
As promised, Frank called Danny that night when the kids were all in bed.
"Oh boy. It's Dad." Danny sighed as he reached to the nightstand and grabbed his cellphone. "Hey, Dad."
"Hey. I know you didn't want to hear from us this weekend, but I have a quick question for you."
"What's that?"
"Jack wants permission to spend the day tomorrow with Sommer Thornby and her family. They're headed up to the Falls and then to dinner. I don't know them and wanted to make sure you did before I told him he could go."
"Yeah Dad. It's fine. They're good people. Does he need money?"
"Nope. Says he has it under control. Just wanted your ok."
"Yeah. It's fine. Read him the riot act for me if you don't mind."
"All over it."
"Everybody else ok?"
"They're good. Tucked them in about thirty minutes ago." About that time, he saw Millie creeping down the stairs. "And it looks like I've had a jailbreak. I've got to go. We'll see you Sunday."
"What'd Frank want?" Linda asked as Danny tossed his phone back onto the night stand.
"Our oldest wants to spend Valentine's Day with a girl."
"Awww. Our baby is growing up."
Frank disconnected the call and leaned forward. "Hey Granddaughter. Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"
"I've got a question, Grandpa."
"You do?"
"A very important one."
"Well, come down here for a minute." Millie bolted down the stairs and into Frank's lap. "Now, what's this very important question?"
"I have to learn how to ride a bicycle."
"Right now?"
"Mrs. Aunt Erin told Nicki when it gets a little warmer, she's going to take me, Nicki, Jack, and Sean riding through the park. But I don't know how to ride a bicycle and I really want to go with them."
"You know what? That's a job for your dad. I'm afraid Grandpa and Pop are too old to run beside a bicycle and I'm not about to let the boys push you."
"What am I going to do?"
"Well, warm weather is still a little ways off. I'll tell your dad when he comes back Sunday that he needs to teach you. He'll have you riding in no time."
"Really?"
"Yep. He taught Sean, Jack, and Nicki… and now he'll teach you. I bet he just hasn't thought about it yet. You know why?"
"Why?"
"Because if you can ride a bike, it means you're growing up. And I'm pretty sure Uncle Danny would like you to stay little for as long as possible." Millie grinned. "But for now, you're still six years old and it's time for you to go to bed."
"I love you, Grandpa," Millie yawned as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I love you too."
As Millie was getting settled back into bed, Eddie and Jamie were just getting off tour.
"Enjoy your weekend, Reagan," Eddie said as she signed out.
"Hold up, I'm walking out with you," Jamie yelled as he finished what he was doing and ran to catch up with her.
"Got plans this weekend?"
"Yeah. Me. Netflix. Two guys named Ben and Jerry. Should be a banger of a weekend."
Jamie caught her elbow as she stomped off toward her car.
"Come with me."
"Come with you where?"
"Does it matter? You don't have plans. Just come with me. We'll drop your car at your apartment. Let's go."
Eddie gave him a suspicious look. "Do I need to pack a bag?"
"Can you do it in ten minutes or less?"
"Yep."
Eddie raced to her apartment and ran up and threw a few nighttime essentials in a bag. "Let's go, Janko!" Jamie chided from the livingroom.
"Give me a clue, Reagan. What do I need to pack?"
"Enough clothes for the weekend. You know we have to be back by Sunday Mass… unless you want to report to the Commissioner why I'm skipping church."
Eddie stuck her head out the bathroom door and frowned as he stood, smiling, knowing good and well he'd pushed her buttons.
She scoured her closet for a couple of cute, yet casual outfits. "Don't forget hiking boots," he yelled. "And something for a nice dinner."
"What?!"
"Tick tock, Janko!" Jamie was thoroughly enjoying himself as Eddie raced around her room. "Times up. Let's roll!"
Out of breath, Eddie ran out of her bedroom and tossed two bags on his arms. "Piece of cake. What are you waiting on? Let's go."
If Eddie asked once, she asked ten times as Jamie drove her blindly up the interstate. "When we get there, you'll know. "Are we even in New York anymore?"
"Nope."
Shortly before midnight, they reached their destination. "Now we're here. Welcome to Connecticut."
"Oh Reagan," Eddie gushed as they saw the sparkling lights of the Firefly Inn, "this is beautiful. How'd you plan all this?"
"Well, it's pretty easy," he dead-panned. "You go online and make a reservation…"
"No. I mean, how'd you know I'd come?"
"Millie said so."
"Millie knows?!"
"No. But wouldn't it be funny if she did?"
Eddie rolled her eyes as they got out, checked in, and made their way to their bungalow.
The following morning, Jack was up early to find Frank. "Grandpa… can I?"
"Yes," Frank smiled. "I've already talked to her parents and your dad. They are going to pick you up around 10am."
"Thanks, Grandpa!" he beamed as he rushed off to get ready.
"Jack…"
"Yes sir?"
"Mind your manners. Treat her as you would want any boy out there to treat Millie. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Where's he going?" Sean asked as he, Nicki, and Millie joined Frank in the kitchen for breakfast.
"Jack's not going with us today. He's going to hang out with a friend."
"Where are we going?" Millie asked.
"Well, Pop and I thought it might be fun to go back to the theater. What do you guys think?"
"YES! ABSOLUTELY! GREAT IDEA!" came the flood of responses. "What are we going to watch?"
"Well, we can either go see Aladdin or Matilda. That Matilda sounds cute."
"Aladdin," Nicki said with a bit of force. "We need to go see Aladdin." She nodded her head at Frank who made his way into the sunroom with her.
"Why not Matilda? It's says here it's about a kid who gets adopted… a kid Millie's age. Doesn't that sound…"
"The horrible principal locks her in a closet."
Frank's eyes got wide. "Aladdin it is. Thanks for the lookout."
"You got it, Grandpa," Nicki chuckled.
The Reagans had a wonderful day. Jack was on cloud nine. Even though it was chilly, it was an absolutely beautiful day and they had a great time at the Falls. After the scenic boat tour, they headed back to the city and had dinner at a fancy, but not fine-dining restaurant. Mrs. Thornby wasn't sure the kids' palettes were quite up for froie gras.
Across town, Millie, Sean, and Nicki's eyes were glued to the stage and enjoying every single second of the show. Millie was especially mesmerized by the magic carpet.
"How do they do that, Grandpa?" she asked as she raised up and whispered into his ear.
"Wow! I don't know," he whispered back, appearing just as amazed as his granddaughter.
When the show was over, Henry insisted that he treat everyone to cannolis. There were absolutely no arguments from anyone. They all made their way happily to Rocco Polmero's and indulged before picking up Jack and heading back to Bay Ridge.
"Can we call Mrs. Aunt Linda before bed?" Millie asked.
Frank was somewhat shocked. Millie never asked to call Linda. It was always Danny. Thinking his daughter-in-law would absolutely love it, he obliged.
"Uh oh, FaceTime from your dad," Linda said as she and Danny sat, snuggled in a booth awaiting dessert.
"Hi, Mrs. Aunt Linda!" Millie waved.
"Hey, Mil. What are you doing?"
"Grandpa said I could call you to tell you goodnight and I miss you."
"Awww!" Linda melted as she placed a hand over her heart. "I miss you too, Sweet Girl. Did you have a good day?"
"We did. We watched Aladdin and there was a magic carpet and it swooped down over our heads!" Millie was moving her hands wildly as Linda chuckled.
"That sounds fun. Want to say hi to Daddy?" Linda turned the phone toward Danny.
"Hey, Silly Millie!"
"Hi, Mr. Uncle Danny! I miss you!"
"Miss you too, Mil. You have a good night and we'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Ok. I love you."
"We love you too."
"Best Valentine's present ever!" Linda gushed when she disconnected the call. "That's the first time ever that child has called to tell me she missed me and she loves me."
"So, no matter what's in this little box… a FaceTime from our six-year-old is better?" Danny grinned as he pulled a jewelry box out of his coat pocket.
"Danny! I thought the trip was the present!"
"Well, it's been a wild year and you've put in more than your fair share. This is from all of us… me and those three monsters at Dad's house."
"I Love you, Danny Reagan," Linda smiled as she leaned over and gave him a kiss.
"Love you more," he said, unmoving as he sat with his eyes closed and kissed her again.
"Love you most."
While Linda celebrated her small victory, Jamie had Eddie getting bundled up for a night hike. "Reagan, you do realize it's cold, right?"
"Come on. It's going to be fun. Bundle up. It's not too far…"
"Do you have your gun? There could be mountain lions or bears or jack-the-rippers…"
"I've got a flashlight," Jamie smiled.
"Oh great. We'll blind them."
They headed up the mountain and arrived at Jamie's lookout point in about forty-five minutes. "Oh Reagan, this is beautiful!"
"It's a super moon. There's supposed to be a meteor shower in… exactly twelve minutes. Let's sit on this rock. Let's unpack."
"What'd you bring? You don't have a tent in there do you? It's too cold to camp."
"No, Crazy. I brought blankets and hot chocolate."
The meteor shower was indeed amazing and the view was absolutely breathtaking. "Tell me I'm a genius," Jamie smiled, so proud of himself as they hiked back to the Inn.
"I'll give it to you, Lambchop. That was amazing!"
Back in the city, Erin and Jack were settling down in the hot tub in their room. "You know," Jack said as Erin leaned back against him, "we are very good together."
"When we're good, we are definitely good," she agreed.
None of the adult Reagan siblings wanted that night to end. They were all totally and completely happy. The younger Reagans were content as well. They all decided to pile up together in front of the fire for the night. Frank and Henry both sat with them until they were all asleep and then retired for the night, patting themselves on the back for once again surviving their babysitting duties.
The Reagan family was happily reunited the following morning at church and lucky for the grown Reagan children, they all made it on time. "Hey, look who I ran into," Erin smiled as she and Jack walked up.
"Dad!" Nicki squealed as she ran into his arms.
"Ran into him… yeah right," Jamie laughed sarcastically as Erin elbowed him sharply. "I bet you also just fell into a bed with him last night too, didn't you?" Erin shot him a death glare and pinched him as hard on the back of his arm as hard as she possibly could and pushed him off to the side.
"You tell Dad, Pop, or Danny and I'll kill you… or better yet, I'll tell them you spent the weekend with Eddie."
"Wh… what?" he smiled. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I know that face. You spent the weekend with Eddie. And your pathetic attempt to lie just proved it." Jamie narrowed his eyes as Erin giggled. "Secret?" she asked as she stuck up her pinky finger.
"Secret," Jamie agreed as he wrapped his pinky finger around hers before the two of them made their way back over to where the family was catching up.
"Mil, did you pack your own bag or did Daddy help?" Linda chuckled as she noticed Millie's grey sweater, pink tutu, grey and white striped leggings, and green boots.
"No, I did it all by myself."
"Ah."
When they got home that night, the kids all took out in a dead sprint to Danny and Linda's room before bed. "Whoa!" Danny laughed. "Your rooms are that way," he said, pointing down the hall.
"Come tell us about your weekend," Linda smiled, ignoring him as she opened her arms. The boys got on either side of her as Millie looked around before claiming Danny's spot beside Sean. Danny chuckled as he walked over and scooped her up.
"Jack went out with Sommer!" Sean reported.
"Oh yeah… tell us about the date!" Danny smiled.
Jack turned beet red, but couldn't hide his exuberance, even though he was trying so hard to be cool and calm. "I mean, it was good. It was a little cold but we took the boat ride out and looked at the falls. Then we came back and ate. The end."
"Did you kiss her?" Sean pushed.
"You're done asking questions," Jack said, flatly.
"Ooooh. My turn," Millie grinned. "We got to go eat cannolis after the theater and then we had a campout in front of the fireplace…" Millie wrapped her arms around Danny. "Oh, but we missed you."
"That's a good hug," Danny said as he kissed the top of her head. "We missed you too."
"Did you miss us enough to let us all stay home tomorrow?"
"Ha! No. You've got to go to school and we have to go to work… which means the three of you need to get to bed. It's late."
"I think we need to stay right here." Millie and Sean both snuggled down in the middle of the bed.
"No. No. No. No. No." Danny said. "Not again. This happens every time. You gotta go to your rooms."
"Pleaaaase."
Hilariously, Danny once again lost the battle and was left to dangle off the right side of the bed all night long while three kids, two cats, and his wife slept soundly.