Chapter 2

Joe watched in amazement as Taylor managed to get all four from the van, through security, and to the gate with a minimum of fuss and whining. He had also noticed that the twins had stopped fighting and were settling down with their Kindles to play Candy Crush. He looked at Taylor and shook his head. "I don't know how you do it."

"Eight years in the Navy. You lean to command."

She leaned against him and he slipped his arms around her.

"So how do you want to split them up for the plane ride?"

"I'll take Gabriel and Luke. You can have Michael and Isabella."

"You don't want to keep the twins together?"

"No. If we split them up, they'll be less likely to fight. And trust me, flight attendants are appreciative with any parent that keeps their kids from being disruptive."

"You were a flight attendant too?"

"Nope. I've spent enough time on planes though."

He tightened his arms around her. "You sure this is a good idea? Shouldn't we have just gone to the lake for a week?"

"Too late now. Next year we can go to the lake."

"Our kids in Disney. God help is," he muttered.

"They're not that bad, Joe. They're kids."

"They're not bad thanks to you. You keep them in line."

"Eight years in the Navy."

He kissed the top of her head. "I really am sorry you thought you had to run away and join the Navy because of me."

"Water under the bridge, Joe. Besides, it gave me a great career."

"Yeah, but less time with you. We lost so many years."

"But we're together now. And I'm not going anywhere."

"I love you, Tay."

"Love you too, Joe."

She glanced toward the four that she had brought into the world. The boys were still settled in their game heaven. Isabella was curled up in her chair napping. Taylor smiled. Her daughter could and would sleep anywhere she could curl up. She was so excited about seeing the princesses that she didn't sleep the night before. Taylor had ended up sleeping in her room on the floor to try to get her to sleep. It didn't work. Joe, of course, had grumbled about having to sleep alone.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Mommy Daddy time later. I'm so looking forward to that hot tub and a bottle of wine."

Joe smiled. "I like the way you think. You think we can get them to go to bed early?"

"We can if we tire them out once we land. Take them swimming and let them burn off all of their energy.'

"You're too smart."

"Just common sense, Joe."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please? We are going to be boarding our flight from Chicago to Orlando in just a moment. All active duty military members and families with children are welcome to come forward to start boarding…." Came the announcement from the gate desk.

Taylor stepped forward and pointed to the twins and Luke. They stuffed their Kindles into their backpacks and lined up. Joe moved forward and slid Isabella into his arms.

"I think she's gonna sleep the whole flight," he said.

"Yep, and she'll be raring to go the minute we land," Taylor reminded as they all moved forward to join the line.