Holly stood there stunned yet extremely elated for a few moments, "Well is it Hector's?" asked Holly.
"Yes, of course it's Hector's! What kind of question is that?" asked Gloria.
"Hey, I just wanted to make sure General Clarke and Jackie aren't getting a grandbaby," said Holly lightly.
"Holly I haven't been with Patrick in several months. Doctor says I'm six weeks along," said Gloria.
"Well congratulations," said Holly with tears in her eyes as she embraced Gloria, "This is so great. We're going to be pregnant together."
"Our husband might not think it's so great," laughed Gloria suddenly amused by it all.
"By the way, what about your wedding?" asked Holly.
Gloria took a deep breath, "Doctor says I might show a little, but since it's my first pregnancy it won't be significant. Now listen, I plan on telling Hector tonight but I'd appreciate if you didn't say anything to any of the other wives until I'm ready. Understand?" Gloria asked with raised eyebrows.
"Of course," said Holly turning to leave.
"I mean it Holly, don't just go blurting out when you're excited," joked Gloria.
"I promise," shouted Holly jokingly but then turned back. She looked down softly and asked, "Based on some of the past events, do you thin Hector is ready to be father?"
Gloria looked down and sighed, "I would hope so. But if not, I'm still having this baby. It's my child, right?"
"Right," said Holly before going back into the Hump Bar.
Jackie continued to flip through news channels, hoping to find any information about the missing airmen and soldiers in Afghanistan. Kevin walked into their bedroom and glanced over at the TV before he asked, "What are you doing Key?"
Jackie glanced over at Kevin and said, "Hoping to find some information for Kat. She's worried sick about Chris."
"Honey, you know the news isn't reliable. If Michael or I hear anything, we'll make sure to tell her," said Kevin lying down on the bed next to Jackie.
Jackie snuggled next to her husband, "Yeah I know, but just having been on the receiving end of bad news like that, you can't help but worry and want to help."
Kevin kissed her on the top of her head, "He'll be okay Jackie."
Jackie nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm just worried Kat will have to go through another spouse's death."
Kevin rubbed Jackie's back soothingly, "It's a scary thought for all of us. But we have to continue to hope and pray that he's okay."
Jackie nodded and kissed Kevin on the temple before she said, "Honey, please stay."
Kevin kissed her back and said, "I'm here. I'm safe."
Roland and Joan pulled into their driveway after a long drive back from Charleston. Roland turned to Joan and said, "I trust you had a pleasant get away Colonel?"
Joan smiled and said, "Yeah it was pretty fun seeing everyone again. I mean other than…"
Roland grabbed her hand and said, "I know. But Colonel Richardson is going to be fine. Remember how scared we all were when Michael went MIA?"
Joan squeezed his hand and said, "Yeah but it doesn't mean the Richardsons will have the same outcome."
"Well why don't we pop some popcorn, grab some soda, and see if we can find the White Sox game on TV to take your mind off of things."
"Sounds great Dr. Burton."
Nicole knocked on the door to Michael's office and said, "General Holden."
Michael looked up from his paperwork and said, "Please come in Captain."
Nicole entered the office and sat down across from Michael before she spoke, "It appears the captors have taken the hostages outside of Kandahar. They seem to be trying to make their way to Pakistan and Syria according to what we've tracked so far."
"Are all of the airmen and soldiers still alive?" asked Michael worriedly.
"They appear to be. No reports of casualties so far," said Nicole.
"Well if they all appear to be alive, then we should send in a rescue team before they make it out of Afghanistan," said Michael standing as he and Nicole saluted, "Keep me posted Captain."
"Will do sir," said Nicole.
Hector arrived home later that night to find Gloria watching TV on the couch, "Hey baby," he said kissing her, "How was work."
"Fine," she answered, "And you?"
"Long," said Hector, "What's for dinner?"
"I was thinking, how about we go out for dinner? Someplace nice and romantic," she said taking his hands in hers.
"Why what's the occasion?" he asked.
"I can't take you out with out there being a reason?" she questioned. Hector raised an eyebrow suspiciously and she said, "I have a little surprise I'd like to tell you."
"Okay, how about the steak house that's near the Hump Bar?" he asked.
The thought of steak suddenly made Gloria nauseous, which was weird because she always loved steak and a glass of red wine. Guess she couldn't have either tonight. She forced a small smile and said, "That sounds…" she started but then swallowed thickly.
Hector noticed the color slowly draining from her face and asked, "Honey, are you…?" But before Gloria could answer him, she ran to the bathroom and began to empty the contents of her stomach, "Gloria!" Hector shouted following her into their bathroom and holding her hair back. He handed her a glass of water once she was finished.
"Thank you," she said graciously taking the offered beverage.
"You sure you're well enough to go out?" asked Hector.
Gloria took a few deep breaths, "I thought I was. Maybe not with the morning sickness."
"Oh, then maybe some other time," said Hector leaving the room. Gloria chuckled to herself when he reentered the room and said, "Wait a minute? Morning sickness?"
"Yeah," smiled Gloria standing up.
"Isn't that a…? Does that mean you're…?" stuttered Hector.
"Doesn't that mean I'm what?" asked Gloria trying to coax the two words out of Hector. She was enjoying teasing him.
"You're pregnant?" Hector finally asked.
"The doctor confirmed it a few days ago. I'm six weeks along which means it's definitely yours," said Gloria apprehensively. She had no idea how he was going to react.
Hector stood there shocked for a few moments absorbing the information. He finally shook his head and laughed lightly, "You're pregnant," he said again, only this time he embraced her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Yeah," she laughed as she let the tears that had been building up escape, "I guess this mean you're happy?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" asked Hector pulling back to look her in the eyes.
"Just with the situation and you said you weren't ready to be a parent," said Gloria as more tears fell.
"Well, I specifically remember someone telling me I had to learn sometime. I wonder who that was?" he said sarcastically.
Gloria chuckled and smacked his chest lightly, "So you really mean it? You're excited?"
Hector's hand drifted to Gloria's still flat abdomen and kissed her temple, "Looking forward to the arrival of Baby Cruz."