There You'll Be
Chapter 8
They Just Keep Goin' and Goin' and Goin'.

"Kids! Come in for dinner," Jo yelled over the noise coming from the corn field.

"Do we have to?" complained Danny.

"Yes! Now come inside or you can't play after dinner."

All seven of them came out of the field, and into the house. It seemed they always came in order of age, Danny not included. First it was Harley, then Rafe, than Andy, then Stephen, then Nick, then Tim, and last but not least Danny.
"Notice how I had children in girl boy girl boy order?" asked Jo.

"Yeah. I have, first there's Harley, then Rafe, then Andrea, then Stephen, then Nicole, then Timothy. And I seem to be the last one out of that field every time."

"Maybe it's because you're slow."

He laughed, kissed her and they went inside. That night, after everything was cleared off the table and Jo watched the rest catch fireflies. Tim always brought her back a few. Danny came up to her and sat down beside her.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm eight and a half months pregnant for the fifth time. I've had two sets of twins, and here comes another set. What do you think?" He laughed. "We have a family of eight, and soon to be a family of ten, if you don't include our many dogs."

"We have only six dogs, one for each child."
"And we'll soon have to get two more dogs."

He laughed again.

"True, true."

"Guess what?"

"What?

"This is the last time, got that?"

"Last time for what?"

"I'm not having any more children after this. And we don't have anymore room."

"We can always keep adding on."

"No. This is it."

"Does that mean even when the kids are visiting their god parents?"

"Speakin', of godparents, who are the godparents of these kids gonna be?"

"Um, Diana, and Zachary, and um, I don't know."

"How about Ian?" asked Rafe, coming onto their porch.

"No. I'm not having Ian stare at me while I attempt to keep my many children in line," said Jo.

"He's missed you."

"Tell him I'm married."

"I have. He doesn't believe me."

"Oh well his loss."

Rafe laughed.

"Who's Ian?" asked Danny.

"An Irish guy who stalked me through the war."

Danny and Rafe both laughed.

"And we just about wet himself when he saw Jo in that dress. I remember one of the guys said, 'The devil is a beautiful woman in a red dress.' He kept repeating it over and over," said Rafe.

Jo joined in laughing at that.

"Who?"

"I don't know, but Ian said 'I don't care, better to have her in my arms as the devil, and any other woman as an Angel."

"Too bad I didn't hear him, I would have killed him."

"Oh, Jo, don't be so hard on him, he hadn't seen a woman in a while."

"Those are called nurses."

"Evelyn would kill you if she heard you say that."

"She'd have to catch--"

"Catch what?" asked Rafe.

"Oh God--" said Danny.

"Language please," said Jo.

"Okay, fine. Oh shoot. I know that look. She's havin' the baby. Rafe, can you call Earl, Tony, and Sandra, I'll call Gooz, Red and Doolittle," said Danny, helping Jo into the car.

"I'll stay here with the kids, they'll be all right," said Rafe.

All the kids waved their mother and father good bye and Rafe went into the house and called Earl, Tony and Sandra. When Jo and Danny got into the hospital, Danny called the others and Jo went and sat in her room.

"Back again Misses Walker?" joked the doctor.

"Y'know, this time around, I think it'll be the worst," said Jo, ignoring his comment.

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm still conscious! The other times I was knocked out!"

He laughed.

"It won't be that bad."

"Like hell it won't, I've heard Evelyn scream when she had her children."

"Just relax."

Jo laid back and breathed. She did this for a very, very, very long time. Until, the babies were finally coming, she screamed. After a while longer, she could rest. She held her newest set of twins. Joshua Daniel and Antonia Margaret. Danny, Rafe, Evelyn, Martha, Earl, Tony, Barbara, Red, Jennifer, Gooz, Lauren, and all the children came in. Jo took deep breaths.

"What's wrong?" asked Gooz.

"I was conscious this time." They all laughed. "It's not funny, I'm serious."

The years went by and their children grew, and now, Harley was fourteen and was a rebel.

"I'm leavin'!" she called.

"Where are you goin'?" asked Jo.

"Out."

"Don't give me that! I've used them all. I won't ask you again."

Harley sighed.

"To the fair."

"With who?"

"My friends."

"What friends?" asked Little Rafe, passing them.

"Rafe hush up," said Jo.

"They're all your children," called Danny.

"Shut up, Danny."

"Mom, can I go?"

"Don't do anythin' Evelyn wouldn't do."

"Why Aunt Evelyn?"

"Because I'm not a good example, and neither was your father or uncle. Be back by nine, we're leaving early tomorrow."

"Why do we have to go to Hawaii?"

"Because we haven't been in years. Don't argue, or I'll pack a pink frilly dress for you and force you to wear it on the beach."

"You wouldn't."

"She would, Har, don't try her."

"Okay, I'll be back."

Harley hugged her mother and she left. Jo sighed and went into the living room.

"She's exactly like you," said Danny

"Not really. My Ma always knew where I was."

"And where was that?"

"With you and Rafe."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"What about after we left?"
"I didn't really go out much. I mean I did go to the fair and stuff, but that was it."

"You wanna go to the fair?"

"Tonight?"

"Yup."

"No, Harley will think we're spyin' on her."

"Then we'll ignore her."

"I'm not goin' to ignore my daughter."

"Then we'll just stay away from her, it's no big deal."

Jo sighed.

"Fine. Kids! Come on!"

They all ran down the stairs and they walked to the fair grounds. They rode the Ferris wheel, and ate cotton candy and at about eight thirty, they got tired and went back to the house. The kids got showers and went to bed, while Jo finished packing for Hawaii. At 9:02, the front door opened and closed. Harley came into her parent's room.

"Har? Are you okay?" asked Jo.

Harley hugged her mother, tears rolling down her face.

"Billy said that I don't deserve him if I won't sleep with him in the back of his truck."

"He's a liar. He and his family can't even match up to come even close to deservin' to lick your shoes. What happened?"

"I told him no, and he said I didn't have any choice, and he wouldn't let me out of the truck, and I kicked him where it would really hurt, and I got out of the car, and walked home, that's why I'm late."

"By two minutes, if it were more, I'd be mad. But I'm proud of you."

"Really? Why?"

"Because you're exactly like her. She was worried you'd act like someone else," said Danny, from the bathroom.

"Shut up and finish brushin' your teeth," said Jo.

Harley laughed.

"Remember, no one can force you to do anything you don't want, although hygiene isn't included in that."

"Shoot. You had to catch yourself there, didn't you Mom?"

"Yup. Go to bed."

"I don't want to."

"You set yourself up, Jo," said Danny.

"Okay, you can't be forced by anyone, but your parents, boss and commandin' officer. And at the moment Danny and I are all three. Go to bed."

Harley went to her room and fell asleep. Jo slept up until ten minutes before it was time to go. Danny had the everything ready before he woke up Jo. She looked at the clock and shot out of bed.

"Danny! I've got ten minutes to get ready! That's not possible! I can't do that! We've got to call the taxi, get the kids breakfast! Get them ready--"

"Jo! It's all done, we're only waitin' for you," said Danny.

"Oh, well then, I'll get ready."

Jo put on her old white shirt, green pants and dog tags, and got ready for that day. When she was ready they got into the taxis and they went off to the train station to take them out West. When they got to California, Jo changed into her old hula dress, and they boarded the plane for Hawaii. When they got there, they went into their old bunk. Josh crawled under Danny's old bed.

"Mommy? Daddy? What's this?" he asked, handing Danny a letter.

"It's the letter I wrote to your mother tellin' her I loved her. I wrote it the night before I proposed to her."

"Oh yeah, the day before the Doolittle Raid, after which we all thought you were dead," said Jo

"Yup, that would be it."

"Jo! Danny! Long time no see."

"Colonel Doolittle!" said Jo, hugging him.

"Colonel Walker and General Walker! How are you?"

"Great!"
"Uncle Doolittle!" said the kids

He gave them all hugs and presents. Harley got a picture of Jo and Danny on their honeymoon, having a water fight with Rafe, Gooz, and Red and a grass skirt, the boys got toy planes, and the rest of the girls got grass skirts along with pictures of themselves as babies, in a different frame. The frames had shells on them, one for every time they'd been to Hawaii, and for them to add onto.

"You're in that dress again."

"I know. I'm not going on any dates this time, though."

Harley stared open mouthed.

"You went on a date?" she said in wonder.

"Yes! I'm shocked that you're shocked at that."

"I got it on tape!" said Gooz.

"Oh no! You didn't bring it!"

"Of course I didn't!" Jo looked relieved "Red did!"

"Give it to me!"

"No."

"Gooz, do you want to live to see tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Then give me it to me."

"No, I think your kids might be interested in your date."

Jo sighed, and took her clothes into the bathroom, coming out in her usual attire, white shirt, green pants, and dog tags. Jo put her hair up.

"I'm goin' to see if Miller's still here and if he still fights, I think the girls and I might go shopping."

"Now?" asked Evelyn, coming in with Rafe.

'No not now. After I kick some rookie butt."

"No more fighting."

"I'm sorry, your highness," said Jo, bowing.

Evelyn playfully pushed her.

"Come on, you've never seen me fight. I've never gotten anything more than a bruise."

Evelyn sighed and they all stepped aboard the USS Arkansas, where they were having the fight. Corporal Miller was sitting on the side, watching. Jo snuck up behind him.

"Not fighting today?" she asked.

"Hey! How are you?"
'Great, I'm here with my large family. I'm in the mood for some fresh rookie blood. How about you?"

"I'm doing great. I think that Petty Officer Jones is about to punch that guy out, he's won against everyone so far. This is his first match tonight, though. He's getting pretty cocky, someone needs to beat him."

As Miller had predicted, the other guy went down and Jones raised his arms in triumph.

"Any challengers?"

"And that someone will be me," whispered Jo, stepping into the ring.

Miller handed her his gloves.

"An old lady?" asked Jones.

The bell rang. She punched him hard, making his nose bleed.

"I'm not old."

He punched at her head, she dodged it.

"Go Mom! Come on! Get him!" yelled Harley.

Rafe Jr., Andy, Stephen, Nic, Tim, Josh and Tony were yelling, "Go Mommy! Go!"

"Mom? You're a mom?" asked Jones.

"Of eight."

"Eight?"

She hit him in the right cheek and the stomach.

"Yup."

"What... rank?" he breathed, punching her in the stomach.

She hit his stomach, then continually punched his face.

"Colonel."

Then she punched him right in between the eyes and he fell backward. Rafe collected his sister's money, and handed it to her after she handed Miller's gloves back to him.

"Great job, Walker."

"Thanks Miller."

Then they all went out to dinner.

"You were great Mom! That was so terrific," said Harley.

"And the best part of it is telling them my rank, right at the end before I knock 'em out. And the look on their face when they realize a woman just beat them up."

"Jo?"

Jo turned around.

"Paul."

"Hi, Jo. How are you? You look great. You look like you've just been in a fight."

"Hey. I'm okay. And I have, I was fighting on the USS Arkansas."

"Fighting again? Aren't you getting too old for that?"

"Old? Me? Old? Never! I take that as an insult."

"You should have seen her, Mister. She kicked that Petty Officer's butt!" said Stephen.

"It was great. We were yellin' 'Go Mommy' and the guy says, 'Mom? You're a mom?' and she says, 'Yup'," said Andy, excitedly.

"Are all of them yours?" asked Paul

"Yup," said Jo.

She smiled at his stunned face.

"Still married?"

"What do you think?"

'Just askin'. Good to see you again. Bye."

"Good bye, Paul."

And he left.

"Who's that?" asked Harley.

"An old friend."

"Okay."

"Mommy? Is he dat guy you dated dat one time when Uncwe Gooz said he got it on tape?" asked Nic.

"Yes, honey, it is."

"Okay."

"It was gweat de way you punched out dat guy tonight Mommy," said Tim.

"I'm glad you think so, Tim."

That night, after the movie of Jo's date, Danny whispered in Jo's ear.

"Jo, you have to tell her."

"Who?"

"Harley."

"About what?"

"Paul."

"What about him?"

"He's her father."

"No you're her father, you helped me raise her, not him."

"But Jo, she needs to know."

Jo sighed.

"I'll tell her tomorrow, we'll go shopping and I'll tell her."

The next day, Jo got Harley up and took her shopping. At lunch, they Jo sighed.

"What's wrong, Mom?"

"Har, I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"Do you remember Danny and my wedding?"

"Sort of, I just thought you two had had me before you got married."

"Well, I had you before I was married. But, Danny isn't your biological father."

"What?"

'Um... well, do you remember that guy from the restaurant the other night?"

"Yes."

"He's your father."

"Did you...? After that date?"

"No, it was the second date we had, six months later. Both times we ended up together-- well you get the picture."

"Where?"

"Here."

"At the Pizza Palace?"

"No, here in Hawaii. We were together on the Army Base, in the parachute hangar, don't tell anyone. Okay?"

"Why did you tell me now?"

"Danny thought you were ready. I never wanted to tell you. I mean, Danny Junior, your cousin, his real father is Danny, your father, but he acknowledges Rafe as his dad, because Rafe and Evelyn raised him. So what are you thinking?"

"I now realized that the guy from the restaurant is a jerk. I saw him tryin' to look down your shirt, and how he looked at Daddy, with hatred. I don't like him much."

"His name is Paul, he doesn't know about you being his daughter, and he's just jealous of Danny. No need to worry, I don't love him. I love your father, and I love you and your brothers and sisters."

"I love you too Mom."

When they went back to the base. Danny was sitting on a sofa, talking to Rafe, Red Earl, Tony, and Gooz, who were sitting across from him.

"What are ya'll doin'?" asked Jo.

"Nothin'," they said simultaneously.

"Uh oh, should I leave?" asked Harley.

"Most likely. Go hang out at the beach," said Jo.

Harley nodded and went into the bathroom, changed and left. Jo looked at the guys.

"What?" asked Red.

"You six are the worst liars in the world. Now tell me what were y'all talking about?"

"Just tellin' Danny about the war," said Gooz.

"What about it?"

"You bein' obsessed with Danny throughout the entire war."

"Shut up. I wasn't obsessed, I was depressed, so naturally, everything would make me think of Danny."

"You wouldn't shut up about him."

Jo blushed and followed her daughter to the beach. The years went by, and sooner, rather than later, Jo and Danny were really old. They were still living in Shelby, Tennessee, at the ages of eighty four, and eighty five. It was Thanksgiving, and they had all of their children, and grandchildren at their house. Their eight children grinned at dinner.

"What's that look for, Harley Gabrielle?" asked Jo.

"We have a present for you two," she said.

She passed down two boxes to them. Jo and Danny opened them. Inside was an old hula shirt, and a plane ticket. Inside Danny's was an old, yellow hula shirt, and a plane ticket.

"What's this for?" asked Jo.

"What's next month?"

"The sixtieth anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and you two, and Uncle Rafe have been invited as guests of honor, and you are expected to be there," said "Little" Rafe, although he wasn't little anymore.

Jo and Danny were so surprised. They hugged their children, grandchildren and children- in- law. The next month the two old war veterans put on their hula shirts and flew to Hawaii, a place they hadn't been in decades. They met up with their old friends and they talked for a very long time, and then they went to a banquet. The next day, they went to the memorial service for all those who had died. Jo, Danny and Rafe walked up together, and put a flower in the water, in remembrance of their friends who had died. That next year, Jo, and Danny died, together, of old age.