A knock at the door brought Bo's attention from setting down the turkey. She walked over to the door. She opened it to see Reiben, holding a little girl, and Donnie.
"What's up Buttercup?" Reiben spoke.
"I'm so glad you made it. You're the first ones here," she spoke, "Upham! Donnie and Reiben are here!"
"Okay! I'll be right out," he called back.
She ushered the three inside. The little girl held onto her father's shoulder.
"Is she sleeping?" Bo inquired.
"No, she's just being shy," explained Donnie, "C'mon Mary. Don't you wanna say hi to Auntie Bo?"
She slowly lifted her brunette covered head and slightly glanced at the jet black haired woman. Bo waved her hand slightly.
"Hi Mare-Bear."
"Hi Auntie," she muttered.
"There ya go, Sweetpea," Reiben encouraged.
He kissed his daughter's cheek and set her down. Upham walked out from the back room.
"There's the strange bird," Reiben announced.
He chuckled. "Good to see you too."
Donnie and Bo went into the kitchen as the boys and Mary sat on the couch. The boys conversed while the little girl colored in a drawing book. Around ten minutes later, another knock was at the door. Upham hurried over and opened it. He was immediately trapped in a hug.
"Hey Montie, how are you?" he asked with a chuckle.
"I'm great!"
"Hey Sugar, where's my hug?" called Reiben.
Montie chuckled and attacked Reiben with the same kind of hug. Jackson walked into the room with his daughter on his shoulders. He glanced up at her.
"Ready to come down, Anna?" he asked.
She nodded her head. The former sniper set the blonde little girl down. Anna rushed over to Mary and started to color with her. Reiben shook Jackson's hand.
"Glad you could make it, Bumpkin."
Jackson smirked. "I reckon it's been awhile."
"Adrian Irwin," someone yelled from the hallway.
The adults cocked their heads to the side in curiosity. Bo and Donnie peeked from the kitchen as well.
"Don't you dare do that again," the voice continued.
It lowered into just a low rumbling as the woman continued to discipline her child. After a few moments, Mellish and Jo walked in with their son. The little boy wiped his nose. The adults let out a burst of chuckles and giggles. After a moment, the family of three did as well.
"Who knew you could be so feisty, Pumpkin?" Reiben teased.
"We did," Montie chimed.
Mellish kissed Jo's forehead. The couple moved over to the couch. Adrian started talking to Anna and Mary. Moments later, Horvath and Miller showed up. The girls hugged both men excitedly.
"Where's the family, Cap'n?" Upham questioned.
"We already did Thanksgiving with our families. The girls were a little sick of eating turkey."
"Is everyone here?" Horvath inquired.
"Just about," rang Mellish, "Hey Adrian! Come and say hello to your Godfather."
"You too Mary and Anna," encouraged Montie.
The three children ran over to the men. Adrian hugged Horvath while the girls hugged Miller. After a moment, they switched.
"There's Cupcake," Reiben said suddenly.
He strolled over to Ryan and Jack. Their twins rushed over to Miller and Horvath. The ranger shook Ryan's hand before noticing Jack holding a small bundle. He grinned.
"Hey Bumpkin, I think you've got your second niece," he called.
Jackson rushed over and beamed at his sister. She grinned back.
"What's her name?" he whispered with awe.
"Daniella Margaret Ryan," Jack replied while handing the child over to him.
He held the sleeping babe gently. The adults all sat down on the couches in the living room. The children sat on the ground coloring. The newest child was passed from Jackson to Bo. She smiled at the child. Jo nudged Mellish and pointed to Upham. They saw how he was watching the violet eyed woman playing with the baby. Mellish stood up and walked over to the corporal.
"Hey Upham," he whispered, "She really likes kids, huh?"
"What? Yeah," he responded.
"How long have you two been living together?"
"Since we came back, so almost seven years," he replied.
"And how many girls have you, ya know..." Mellish trailed off.
Upham glanced at him curiously.
"What are you getting at?" he questioned.
Mellish held up his hands.
"Just asking some questions."
Jo snickered off to the side. Donnie walked into the room. She clapped her hands together.
"It's time for dinner," she announced.
The large group headed over to the tables. The children sat over at the smaller table. Upham gave thanks. As soon as he was done, everyone starte grabbing for food. As they filled their plates, they reminisced with one another. Their laughter was gleeful and boisterous. They updated each other on recent events in their lives. The girls chatted about certain things, while the men had their own conversations. Bo stood up and walked into the kitchen. She returned with a bottle of champagne. She held it up.
"Who wants some adult juice?" she joked, censoring herself for the children.
Mellish held his glass out.
"Jo can't have any, but I'll take some."
Bo quickly filled the glasses for those who wanted it. Miller scratched his head. He quirked a brow at Mellish and Jo.
"Why can't Jo have any wine?" he asked the husband.
Jo grinned at him and nodded. Mellish slowly stood up.
"I, um, we would like to make an announcement," he started as the others quieted down, "Jo's pregnant."
Montie squealed.
"Oh my goodness! That's so exciting!"
"Congratulations," Miller offered.
"Is it a boy, or a girl?" Ryan questioned.
"It's a boy," replied the auburn.
"What's the name?" continued Donnie.
The auburn glanced at the captain and sergeant.
"His name's gonna be Jonathan Michael."
The two men beamed with pride. The others nodded in approval. Reiben stood up with his glass.
"I'd like to give a toast."
He waited as the others held up their own glasses.
"To the best sons of bitches, and the toughest women I've ever known. You've truly become my family. Cheers."
"Cheers," the rest said in unison as the clanked their glasses together.
They each took a sip. The group of close friends continued their meal. When it was over, the women started to wash the dirty dishes. The men entertained the children. As all great times do, the night eventually came to an end. Sleeping children were carried out by their parents. Miller held Sean in order to help Jack and Ryan, each holding their other children. Bo and Upham waved goodbye until everyone had left. The violet eyed woman began to fiddle with the table cloth.
"Goodnight Bo," whispered Upham.
"G'night Tim," she replied.
"Drink some warm milk."
Bo glanced up and cocked her head to the side.
"Warm milk helps me sleep when I can't," he explained.
She lowered her eyes sheepishly.
"Thanks. I'll try that."
Upham strolled back into his room. Bo set down the table cloth and walked to the fridge. Before she opened it, she noticed a glass of milk sitting out. Smirking, Bo popped it into the microwave. After a few seconds, she grabbed the milk and drank it. She turned off the lights as she headed back to her room, sighing with content.