This next chapter has a little bit of background on Kat's past, so there is an intense part that includes the death of her first husband. Just want to put this information as a warning.
Blake and Tonya had only been seated and had already discussed the weather and the future of their careers. At this point in the dinner, they had no idea what to talk about, "So," began Blake.
"Yeah," said Tonya.
"How's life been for you?" asked Blake. Blake had gone back to work about a month after Julia was born. He tried not to work night shifts to give Tonya some relief in the evenings and sometimes cover late night feedings and diaper changes. For a little body, Julia needed a lot of attention but the new parents loved every minute of it.
"I don't know I honestly haven't done that much since the baby…" Tonya started and then stopped herself. Blake and she had sworn they weren't going to talk about their daughter just to prove Frank and Denise wrong.
"I mean I'm sure you'll go back to work when you feel ready maybe when the baby…" said Blake. Tonya and he chuckled lightly, "There we go talking about Julia again. It's our anniversary, we should just enjoy the evening."
Tonya nodded and they both went back to their uncomfortable silence. After a few more moments, Tonya finally spoke, "Okay Julia did the cutest thing today!"
"Really what's that?" asked Blake excitedly. No talking about the baby was officially out the window.
"Well she's learned how to start babbling," said Tonya happily.
"Ah man, I can't believe I missed that!" said Blake disappointedly, "Did she say Dada? She said Dada didn't she?"
Tonya laughed and shook her head, "No it didn't sound like anything but I'm sure it won't be long before they sound like words."
"Well I bet you her first word will be Dada then," said Blake happily.
"In your dreams," joked Tonya.
"Another?" asked Blake holding up the bottle of wine.
"Oh I would, but I don't want too much alcohol in my system when the baby needs to be fed later."
"I'm sure Frank and Denise won't use all of the bottles," smirked Blake.
"I know. But I just want to be safe," said Tonya.
Blake nodded his understanding. He looked at Tonya once more without saying anything. She had hated him when they had first met he was sure of that. Okay, maybe hate was a strong word but she certainly disliked him. How she had managed to fall in love with him was beyond him but he wouldn't change it for the world.
"Blake," said Tonya in a sing songy voice bring him back to reality, "You're staring at me." she said raising her eyebrows playfully.
"Just remembering when we first met and you hated, no, you strongly disliked me," chuckled Blake.
"I did not strongly dislike you!" Tonya defended, "I simply thought you were a bit… cocky," she said when I found the right word.
"Oh really," said Blake, "Because Lizzie has told me you called me differently."
"Oh no, what did she tell you?" asked Tonya embarrassed. She loved Lizzie but that girl needed to keep her nose in her own business sometimes.
"She said you called me an arrogant you know what," Blake chuckled.
"Dang I told her to not tell you," said Tonya, "If you haven't figured it out yet, she always does the opposite of what she's told. Always has."
"It's okay Bobby was the same way," said Blake. Tonya looked at him confused, "My older brother."
"The one that?"
"Yeah," confirmed Blake.
Tonya nodded. She figured not to bring it up unless Blake did. After they finished dinner, Blake started driving back to their house, "Babe, we need to pick up Julia first," said Tonya.
"We will," said Blake pulling into the driveway. He leaned over and kissed her, "But I want to give my wife one more anniversary present before we're in Mommy and Daddy mode again. What do you say Mrs. Hanson?"
Tonya picked up on his vibe, "If you insist Major Hanson."
Meanwhile at the Sherwood house, Frank and Denise were quite busy with a two year old and a four month old. Needless to say, Molly was not happy with the fact that Mommy and Daddy were giving attention to another baby and Julia desperately missed Tonya.
"It's okay baby," Denise tried to sooth Julia, "Mommy and Daddy will be home soon."
Frank came over and kissed Denise on top of her head, "Is she always this fussy?"
Denise shook her head, "No I just think that she misses Mommy."
"Maybe the pacifier will help," said Frank handing it to Denise. They both were honestly wondering what was taking the couple so long. They had said they'd be back by nine and it was nearing ten, "I'll call and see what the holdup is," said Frank.
He called Blake's cell phone and it gave a few rings before Blake answered, "Hello?" he answered little breathlessly.
"Major?" asked Frank, "Where are you guys?"
"Oh, um at home," said Blake, "We lost track of time sir, we'll be over soon."
"No worries Major, we'll bring Julia home," said Frank, "Just um be finished by the time we get there," he chuckled lightly.
"Um, okay thank you sir," said Blake quickly and hung up a little embarrassed.
Frank turned to his wife who was suppressing a grin, "They lost track of times," said Frank using quotes to emphasize.
"Oh I'll bet," Denise laughed, "Okay baby girl, you ready to go see Mommy and Daddy?" she cooed to Julia.
"Come on Peanut," Frank told Molly, "We're going on a car ride."
"So Tim's coming home in two days!" said Holly excitedly to Gloria.
"That's wonderful Holly," said Gloria happily.
"So how are things going with the wedding?" asked Holly.
"They're going well enough, we've set a date," said Gloria.
"Really when?" asked Holly.
"October 17th," said Gloria.
"Oh that's wonderful!" said Holly.
"Yeah we've just got so much to do before then," said Gloria, "I mean there's the wedding party, I have to find a dress, the cake, the reception venue, we have to find our baptism and confirmation certificates and meeting with the priest and…"
"Gloria!" interrupted Holly, "You need to relax. Everything will get done."
"Now you sound like Hector," said Gloria, "And I know he and I were going to talk to you and Tim together but I'll ask you now. Would you be my matron of honor?"
Holly sat there speechless for a few moments before answering, "I'd be honored."
Kat continued to watch the news since Jordan was a Citadel and Chris was working late. Connor was asleep so Kat was alone for the evening. For some reason the news was frightening her more than normal. She swore all she was watching were reports on plane crashes in Afghanistan. It may have been twelve years but she could still remember it like it was yesterday.
September 11, 2001. A day that would become an infamous day in world history. Lieutenant Colonel Steven A. Young was in Washington D.C. for an important meeting at the Pentagon while she was home with Jordan, who was eight years old and in third grade. At the time, the family was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Hanover, New Jersey. The day has started out normally with Kat taking Jordan to school and then going into work.
Soon after arriving at work, Kat found out about the planes that hit the Twin Towers in the family's native city. And then there was the attack on the Pentagon.
Most of the division knew Steve was at the Pentagon as were a few other officers from McGuire. When Kat saw news reports, she couldn't help but break down in tears. She had to leave work early to pick up Jordan from school. She didn't know anything except that bad people had flown planes into buildings. Kat tried to stay strong for her daughter and she wasn't planning on telling Jordan about Steve until worst came to worst. That night, Kat had prayed for a call from Steve in hopes that he was still alive, but deep down, she knew he wasn't coming out of that building. Only a few days did the bad news come.
"I'm sorry Major Young, but it is with deepest regret to inform you that your husband, Lieutenant Colonel Steven Young, was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11."
"Katherine," said Chris.
Kat came out of her trance and smiled slightly at her husband, "Hi."
"I've called your name five times, are you okay?"
She kissed him and said, "Yeah just thinking about something that's all."
Chris nodded and they both heard crying coming from the baby monitor, "Is that a hungry cry or a wet cry?" asked Chris.
Kat chuckled and stood, "Hungry," she answered.
"Okay in that case, that's your department," said Chris changing the channel to Sports Center. Kat nodded and headed upstairs, "I'll make sure to keep track of the Yanks for you."
Kat smiled, "Wouldn't expect any less."
Frank and Denise pulled into the Hanson driveway. Tonya walked outside then she saw them arrive, "Hey thanks for bringing her home."
"No problem," whispered Denise, "They both fell asleep on the ride here."
Tonya nodded and kept Julia in her car seat being careful not to jostle her too much. Denise could tell Tonya had missed her even in a few short hours, "Thanks for watching her tonight."
Denise nodded, "I would ask if you both had a good anniversary but I think you both did."
Tonya's face turned red, "Yeah," she said embarrassed, "The first time in four months without a feeding or a changing in the middle of it."
"Trust me, I know," said Denise. The two women took the rest of the stuff into the house and then Denise turned to leave, "Have a good night," said Denise.
"You too," said Tonya rocking Julia before everyone headed to bed for some much needed sleep.