A/n: I don't remember if we ever heard Preach's wife's name or two of his daughters...I know he mentioned one was named Leah in the mall episode...So I'm taking artistic license here.

Also, I almost have the next chapter done but the baby is finally asleep so I've got to take advantage of it and get some sleep too! She'll be up in a few hours unless a miracle happens, so I should be able to finish it soon. I think you're gonna love it!

Preach scrubbed the grill and wiped it down, whistling a merry tune as he worked. The team barbecue was the highlight of his leave every time. The girls loved getting to rub shoulders with the brave men and woman that he worked with, and he loved the opportunity to join both his families.

"Leah, gather up the pool toys and put them in the corral when you're done with those windows," Preach called to his middle daughter. Getting the house ready was a family affair and he expected everyone to contribute.

"Sarah, sweetie," Preach addressed his oldest. "Off your phone, hon. Jaz is arriving this afternoon; we need to be ready. If you're done with your chores, go ask your mom how you can help."

Sarah hid her eye roll, but followed Preach's instruction.

"Daddy! I finished the garden! What should I do next?" Hannah careened around the corner of the house and almost ran smack into Preach.

Preach opened his arms and caught his youngest in a hug and twirled her around. It was so good to be home.

"Hey, you gorgeous girl! Have you practiced your clarinet yet today?" She shook her head and bounced off to her room at Preach's encouragement.

Preach's wife Kamille stuck her head out the back door and threw a wide grin his way. "I declare, Ezekiel, that girl is like play doh in your hands. She fights me tooth and nail when I try to get her to practice!"

Preach returned the grin and strode over to the door. Leaning in for a lingering kiss, he said, "I did love pottery class in high school!"

"You picking up Jaz or you want me to, Zeke?" Kamille asked, looking forward to spending a little extra time with the only female member of her husband's team. Usually the team came just for the weekend, but somehow Ezekiel had managed to convince Jaz and Captain Dalton to come early and spend the better part of the week with the family.

"Do you have a preference?" He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in her scent. He didn't take for granted that he had this time with her.

"Why don't you stay here with the girls, and I'll pick her up?" Kamille offered, trying hard not to be jealous of her husband's time. The girls needed as much Daddy time as he could spare.

"I won't argue with that!" Preach answered with a smile. One of the things he loved most about Kamille was her generous spirit, always sacrificing so others could benefit.

"Jaz, Kamille is going to take me to my physical therapy appointment this morning. You good to stay here while the girls are at school? Sarah has early release so she will be off around noon." Preach asked the next morning at breakfast.

"Sure thing! Anything I can do for you while you're gone?" While she didn't expect him to take her up on her offer, she hoped he would anyway.

"You can make use of that pool outside and take advantage of this balmy weather!" Living in the south had its advantages, especially when the only time he was home was during late winter and early spring.

Jaz playfully saluted and grinned. "I can do that!"

The girls left for school and Kamille and Preach left for the airport. Kamille turned to Preach as they pulled out of the driveway. "Why did you say we were going to your PT appointment? You know full well we're picking up Captain Dalton first and dropping him back by here!"

Preach's eyes twinkled. "Jaz and Adam have some things they need to work through, but neither one of them thinks they are ready. So now they'll have uninterrupted time to do just that."

"Zeke, you little rascal!" Kamille swatted him lightly on the arm before taking his hand in hers. "I love you, but you and your matchmaking ways!"

"I'm just trying to provide space and time, my dear, space and time. What those two do with it is totally up to them!"

"So Adam has no idea Jaz is here, does he?"

Preach's eyes peeked over at her, guilty as sin. A slow smile tweaked his cheeks until he could no longer conceal his laughter.

Preach got out of the car to retrieve Adam's bag from the trunk. He turned to get back in the car and casually remarked, "The door is open. Jaz is around back at the pool. Enjoy your time!"

And with that he sped off to physical therapy. Adam stood, stunned. Jaz. He knew he would see her this weekend, but the main reason he had agreed to come early was to process a little with Preach ahead of time. The man was always so perceptive - he had seen the attraction between Dalton and Jaz before Adam had even realized it.

Adam glared at the empty driveway and took a bracing breath. Hopefully Jaz was in a good mood and already prepared for his arrival.