A/N: Here is the concluding chapter of Reunion. This was a fun story to write because it had been hanging with me for a while. I started this chapter watching the World Series and thinking that I would love to have a certain singer/actor sing the National Anthem. Blue Bloods also helped inspire this chapter. I have many other stories I want to write, however I wanted to finish this story and Untitled before I started any other stories. Enjoy! Don't forget to R&R.
THANK YOU to my readers! With out you guys I would not be writing.
Disclaimer: Not Mine.
**BB**
As the day waned towards darkness, Danny can't bring himself to think of a better day. He had been able to surprise everyone that he wanted to. He noticed that his father, Jamie and Linda did not want seem to wander too far from him. He noticed Jamie had fallen asleep and laid his head on his shoulder his older brother's shoulder. Danny couldn't help but smile at his kid brother. He had missed him so much that he caught himself worrying more about him than he did Erin and Joe. He loved Erin and Joe dearly, but he always worried about Jamie. His siblings meant so much to him, he couldn't even begin to fathom what his family would be like if they lost any of them.
On his left was Linda. He couldn't believe he had just become engaged. It wasn't like it was something that he had planned; it was something he felt needed to do, for he couldn't even begin to think about what his life would be like without Linda. She was calming force for him and he couldn't thank her enough for that. He didn't want to let go of her hand. He didn't want to let go ever.
In front of him was his father. While very few words had been spoken between the two of them, Danny could see a look of happiness he couldn't remember ever seeing growing up.
"Hey Dad, are you okay? You haven't really said much and you look like you are about to cry," Danny asked quietly. Frank was never a man of many words; however he was never really that quiet either. When it came to his family, he always had something to say, whether it was a word of advice or to talk about the most recent Jets game. Danny knew his father would always have something to chat about with his children.
"Yeah Danny, everything is great. You are home and you are safe. There is nothing more I could ask for in this moment. You have grown into an amazing man Danny; you have such a bright future ahead of you. You will build an amazing family with Linda; I don't doubt that in the least. I can't tell you how proud of you I am," Frank explained. The young man that his family had been sent to war, no longer existed, however the young man that had come home, with an amazingly bright future and a beautiful fiancé was more than he could had ever asked for his son. And he could watch his son digest the words that he had just told him.
"Um…Thanks dad, I uh…" Danny found it hard to compose himself after what his father had just told him. He realized he wasn't the only one crying when he heard Linda sniffle next to him. He knew his family adored her but he didn't know that they loved her like a daughter and a sister.
"So um…I kinda need to see Mom and Joe and Nicky and Erin. I miss them a lot. Is there any way we could go see them?" Danny asked after finally composing himself.
"Of course you can. I'll call Erin and have her and Nicky meet us at the house. You can surprise the three of them there. As for Joe, I think he is working a late tour tonight. Would you like me to call and see where he is at?" Frank offered. He needed his family to be complete again even if it is for a short time.
"Yeah, yeah that would be great."
**BB**
The shrill ring of his phone awoke Joe Reagan from a fitful sleep. He was just getting ready to go in for a night shift. He wanted one more hour sleep. He didn't need much time to get ready for his shift. 'Just one more hour,' he thought. However all of that changed when he saw just who was calling him. His dad. Instantly he was even more awake.
"Hey Dad, what's up? Is everything okay?" Instantly he glances at a picture of him and his siblings. All four of them together, however that hadn't been the case for the past year. After September 11th his oldest brother Danny, had been fighting in Iraq. He had talked to them a few times; however, he still missed having him around. He needed his big brother back.
"Yeah everything is fine. We are doing a family dinner, kinda impromptu one. Since you are working a late shift I was wondering if you would like to meet for a cup of coffee before shift?" he heard his father ask. He thought he had heard someone else talking in the background but he wasn't sure who.
"Yeah, I'd like that, corner shop okay? It's on the way to the precient, be there in about 20 minutes work?"
"Works perfectly."
**BB**
As Joe walked into the neighborhood coffee shop, he didn't see his father anywhere. As he waited for his order, he finally noticed his father sitting in the back corner away from everyone else. Sitting with him was his baby brother Jamie and Linda, Danny's girlfriend. However he noticed another person sitting at the table as well.
His brother Danny. The brother that he hadn't seen in over a year. The brother that was supposed to be in Iraq.
"Da…Danny?" Joe stuttered unbelieving.
"Hi Joe," Danny tearfully greeted. And there in that coffee shop and hour before shift, he let the tears flow.
**BB**
"Mary, Erin? Hey I'm home," Frank hollered as he walked in the back door. He motioned for Jamie, Linda and Danny to enter quietly.
"Sweetie, why did you need to have…" The words died on Mary's lips as she walked into the kitchen and saw her oldest son before her. However before she could embrace him, a 5 1/2 year old beat her to it.
"Uncle Danny! You're home!" Nicky yelled as she raced into her uncle's arms.
"Yes sweetie, I am. I've missed you beautiful," Danny tearfully replied as he hugged her tightly. As he looked up he could see his sister tearing up at the sight before her.
"Come here sis," Danny urged.
"My god, Danny, I've missed you. I am so glad you are alright. I am so glad you are home," Erin sobbed as she embraced her brother tightly. She found herself thanking her lucky stars that her brother was home and alright. After a few minutes Erin finally coaxed herself out of Danny's arms, however she wasn't so successful with Nicky who had latched on to her uncle and refused to let go. "I think mom needs to see you…" Erin whispered as she looked at her mom standing in the door way tears streaming down her face.
"I think you're right. Hi mom," Danny greeted.
"Hi son, are you really here? I'm not imagining this am I?" Mary asked tearfully.
"No, mom I'm really home," Danny softly explained. And he was. In the kitchen he grew up he was surrounded by the people he loves. He was home.
