Activity Center…
Charlie paced around the activity center hoping Roland and David would show up that day. She looked up to see the both of them coming towards her, "Hey Charlie!" David said excitedly.
"Hey David," she said, "How was school?"
"Pretty good," he replied. Charlie felt a sense of excitement to think she would soon have a son or daughter of her own.
"Dr. B!" she shouted and Roland turned around to face her, "Um, I was wondering if you and your family wanted to come over for dinner tonight?"
"Well, I'd have to clear it with Joan, but I'm sure it would be okay," he answered.
"Cool," said Charlie, "We have some big news and we thought it would be nice if you guys were the first to know."
Burton House…
"Nicole and Charlie have big news?" asked Joan curiously when Roland mentioned the invitation, "Did they mention what it was?"
"Um I think they plan on saying what it is if we have dinner with them tonight," said Roland.
"Well as long as we can bring David and Sara Elizabeth with us it would be okay. General Holden and Claudia Joy have plans so they couldn't babysit," said Joan.
"Charlie said it's okay to bring the kids honey," Roland said. His wife was always practical and prepared, but sometimes a little too practical and prepared.
"Okay in that case we accept," she smiled.
Mayfield-Galassini House…
Nicole headed to answer the door when she heard knocking from whom she assumed was the Burtons. Nicole opened the door to let them in, "Good evening Captain," said Joan.
"Mam," said Nicole formally shaking her hand, "Roland, David, Sara Elizabeth," she acknowledged everyone.
"Drop the mam tonight Nicole. This is personal time," said Joan with a smile.
"Okay then," said Nicole relaxing a little.
"Hey guys," said Charlie descending the stairs, "Roland, Colonel Burton, David, Sara Elizabeth."
"As I said to Nicole Charlie, you can drop the Colonel tonight. Just don't make a habit of it," said Joan.
Charlie nodded, "So make yourselves comfortable. Dinner will be ready shortly." Nicole led the Burtons towards the dining room while Charlie headed around the island towards the kitchen. The smell of dinner drifted around her and Charlie suddenly felt queasy.
"You okay Charlie? You look a little pale," said David.
"I'm fine," said Charlie in an unconvincing manner.
"You sure?" asked Roland.
Charlie turned to her wife's smirking face and glared before she dove towards the trashcan to empty the contents of her stomach.
"Ew," cringed David turning his head away while Nicole and Roland went to assist Charlie. Roland wordlessly disposed of the trashcan when Charlie was finished while Nicole gave her some ginger ale to sip.
"Can I open my eyes yet?" asked David apprehensively.
Charlie chuckled and said, "Yes David you can open your eyes now."
Roland reentered the house and said, "Are you sure you're okay Charlie?"
"I'm fine Roland. In fact I've never been better. Nicole?" Nicole smiled and took her wife's hand. They both turned to the curious family and simultaneously said, "We're expecting!"
"Both of you?" asked Joan confusedly.
"Well, I'm expecting," said Charlie happily.
"Aw congratulations Charlie! To both of you!" said Joan excitedly.
"Thank you Joan," said Nicole happily, "We're both really excited."
"I'm glad it finally happened for you two. I'm sure going through donors was difficult," said Roland.
"Yeah it was. But it was worth it," said Charlie as everyone sat down at the table. After dinner, the Burtons got ready to leave as Nicole and Charlie prepared to settle down for the evening.
"Thanks for dinner Captain Galassini, Charlie," said David.
"You're welcome David," said Charlie as Nicole nodded.
"Thanks again for inviting us," said Joan, "And congratulations again."
"Thank you. See you at work tomorrow mam," said Nicole. After she closed the door behind them, Nicole turned around to face Charlie, "Well babe that will be us before you know it."
"Yeah, but it won't get here fast enough," said Charlie.
"Do you need anything else? I've already read how bad morning sickness can be in the first trimester," said Nicole.
"Just someone warm to sleep with tonight," Charlie smiled.
"Hmm. Got any ideas?" asked Nicole.
"Maybe one or two," as she lifted Nicole up bridal style and carried her upstairs.
"Hey, pregnant women aren't supposed to be carrying things," Nicole chuckled.
"A. I'm barely pregnant. And B. That isn't until the like the later stages when I'm ugly and huge," said Charlie placing Nicole down on the bed.
"Well I think you'll be beautiful," said Nicole, "They always say pregnant women glow don't they?"
"Yeah I guess they do don't they?" laughed Charlie as she crawled into bed, "Good night honey. I love you."
"I love you too Charlie. And I love you too little one," said Nicole kissing Charlie's abdomen.