A/N — I set out to post 31 days of short stories and today is Day 31. I'm feeling pretty proud that I set a goal for myself and achieved it. I have a few more stories that I'll post this week. Thank you to all that have read and followed and left kudos and, most especially, reviewed. xoxo — kals
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Name: Baby Girl
Setting: future; generally canon
Prompt: Tom/Sasha future established
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Sasha smoothed down Tom's collar. It still felt strange to see him dressed formally, in a tux rather than a uniform. But today was Ashley's day and she, somewhat understandable, didn't want anything that reminded her of the Navy. Sasha considered Tom's stoic face. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Tom replied, the answer immediate. Sasha arched an eyebrow, waiting until he admitted. "It doesn't feel real. She's so young. I thought that I would have longer."
"Twenty-four isn't young, Tom," Sasha replied, voice soft.
Tom met her eyes, his smile crooked. "In my head, she's still five. Asking to stand on my shoes while I spin her around the room."
Although Sasha hadn't known Ashley at five, she could imagine the scene. Tom with a serious exterior while Ashley laughed and smiled at everyone around them. Not all that different from how it would go today. Sasha checked her watch. "Five minutes to go. I imagine Clay is a nervous wreck."
That drew a chuckle. "I remember the day I married Darien. She was late — which was unusual for her. And I spent those ten minutes convinced that I was about to be left at the altar."
"You should tell that story to Ashley." When Tom made to protest, Sasha squeezed his hand. "If I know anything about weddings, it's that Ashley is missing her mother today. Hearing a story about the day you married Darien might help."
Tom paused, then nodded. "Are you headed in?"
Sasha reached out to squeeze his arm a final time. "Take as much time with Ashley as you need. Both Clay and I will wait. I promise."