Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

117. Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Soon it was New Year's Eve. Everyone was at the Cullen house as they were every year. Edward and Bella played Auld Lang Syne and Claire joined them while all the family sat together talking and waiting for the countdown. All the babies and young children were long since sound asleep. Heather was asleep on Kevin's shoulder; Evalynn was sleeping on her Grandpa Dante's shoulder and being passed around as gently as possible among all her grandparents sleeping through the whole thing. Lulu was sound asleep in her Grandma Luana's arms who was visiting for Christmas while all of Nathan's kids were wide awake waiting for the countdown. Jaedynn and Ivory played with Cindy on the floor, though Cindy was tolerating it at the moment. She wanted to go to bed Nathan could tell but Cindy, patient as ever, let Jaedynn and Ivory keep her awake with pets and hugs. When it was finally nearing midnight, they all counted down together and announced 'Happy New Year' when the clock struck twelve enjoying a glass of champagne to celebrate. After the excitement died down, Jacob looked at Renesmee with a big smile. He had something special planned for this year. The following night, Jacob insisted that Kevin, Kyle and Nathan all had to be on patrol that night and Natalie joined as well. Once they'd all shifted for the night, the reason for his insistence was finally apparent.

Have you and mom really been together fifty years? Nathan said when they'd shifted.

I turn 50 in October, so you'd best believe it, Kevin said.

Sweet Jesus, that means I'm turning 50, Embry said.

Well, I just turned 68, so you can both relax, Jacob said. We're not talking about getting older; we're talking about the four of you helping me with planning an anniversary party for your mother and me.

You planning to do this again when you and mom have been married 100 years? Nathan joked.

As a matter of fact, yes I do, Jacob said. But for now, it's only been fifty years. One milestone at a time.

Was there anything in particular you had in mind? Natalie asked. From what we've heard thus far, you aren't giving us much to go on.

That's what I need the four of you here for, Jacob said. Embry, you keep a perimeter and we'll help if anything happens.

They didn't have very long to get things together, so they all thought up something that could be arranged in just a few days. Kevin came up with an idea that Jacob loved immediately and it offered him and Renesmee some time alone as well as time for everything to get set up appropriately. This was, naturally, to be kept strictly between them and they could consult their Grandpa Edward if they had any questions. Jacob made sure to run past the Cullen house so Edward would know the plan.

"I'll take care of everything here," Edward said on the balcony to Jacob when he'd heard the plan. Everything was, of course, to be kept secret from Renesmee, but everyone else more or less knew.

"This is so exciting," Amber said the day before the party itself was planned for. "What year will it be when we reach out 50th anniversary?"

"It'll be 2000," Kevin said.

"It seems so long away," Amber said. "Mom, daddy, your fiftieth anniversary's coming up isn't it?"

"1957," Levi said while he was enjoying dinner with his granddaughter in his lap. "So not long."

"I remember it like it was yesterday," Anna smiled, looking back fondly. "I was freshly 17 and you were 19. That was back when father had to approve a suitor before he could even speak to his daughter. Daddy knew Levi made good money but there were a few that he'd considered worthy suitors."

"If I remember correctly, your father was shocked you had decided to court me," Levi chuckled. "Our first date, I'd put you and your father to sleep talking about my job."

"I remember," Anna smiled. "That was January 1907. Your father and I got married that following summer. It was at our synagogue, I wore my mother's wedding dress, and then our reception was at my parents' house. When it was all over, Levi brought me to his little apartment in town and carried me over the threshold. We got our first house about a year or so later. It was that time, right?"

"Year and a half more or less," Levi nodded. "That was back when we still lived in Munich."

"I wonder how Munich has changed since we lived there," Anna said. "Drastically I'm sure. I hope it's not in East Germany."

"Did you want me to look into it for you?"

"No, no, don't bother," Anna said to Kevin. "Even if it weren't so expensive, I can't imagine us ever going back to Germany. Can't say we'd ever wanted to go to Poland before, but we certainly will never want to go back."

"I won't bother then," Kevin smiled reassuringly. "How about Paris?"

"Maybe one day," Anna shrugged and looked at Heather who was stuffing her face with some of Levi's dinner all over her lips, cheeks and hands. "We can always take you to Paris one day, mein Schatz," Anna smiled and started whipping away the residue of food with a napkin.

"It can be her Bot Mitzvah gift," Levi said and looked at Kevin with a chuckle. "You'd best start saving up for that now. You have a proper 13 years to save up for it."

"Yes, sir," Kevin sighed a little but he was smiling. Anna took Heather off Levi's lap so he could finish his dinner in peace.

"Oma, oma, what that?" Heather asked and pointed at the messily, forcefully tattooed number on Anna's wrist.

"Don't worry about that, Heather," Kevin said firmly to Heather and gave her a look that she'd learned meant not to push on something. Heather nodded her head and hugged Anna instead of making her talk. Anna cuddled Heather closer and patted her head making a point not to cry.

Levi and Anna remained at Kevin and Amber's house for a few more hours until it was time for Heather's bedtime. After Levi and Anna left, Kevin started getting ready for bed with a shower and Amber got Heather in a bath. While Amber was washing Heather up, she noticed Amber's wrist.

"Mommy, what that?" she said and pointing at the number on Amber's wrist. She pulled that hand away as though she'd been burned.

"It's a long story, sweetheart," Amber said. "Mommy would rather not talk about it." Amber hurried to get Heather cleaned up and ready for bed. She didn't try to ask about it again and went right to sleep once she was in her crib. Kevin was out of the shower by the time Amber got to their bedroom. He got into bed while she went to their closest to change into her nightgown and then joined him in bed.

"Is everything alright?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah," Amber nodded. "Heather saw my number and she asked about it. As much as she can anyway. I told her I didn't want to talk about it." She looked down at the messy scribble of numbers that she'd been labeled as for so many years and sighed. "I suppose one day I'll tell her."

"You don't have to tell Heather anything if you don't want to," Kevin reassured.

"No, I do," Amber said. "She should know. It would be good for her to know. I don't want to talk about it now."

"If she must know, we can tell her the bare minimum," Kevin said. "Right now she's too young to understand."

"I know," Amber said and went to Kevin's side so she could cuddle up against his chest. "When she's old enough to understand, I will tell her. I want her to understand what her grandparents and I went through."

"When she's older," Kevin agreed and gave Amber a kiss.

The next few days, Kevin and his siblings worked closely with Edward to make sure the Cullen house would be ready for Jacob and Renesmee. The day of their anniversary, Jacob made sure to keep Renesmee occupied, offering to take her into Seattle and walk around near the docks.

"I remember when your picture was hanged on these docks with a hefty reward," Jacob said with a smile as they walked around the streets near the docks. "I can't believe the city's changed so much since then."

"I remember how we used to come here for supplies," Renesmee smiled. "You remember Janine?"

"The prostitute?" Jacob asked. "Yeah, I remember her. I wonder what happened to her."

"I hate to think she's likely passed away a long time ago," Renesmee said. "Of course, that's almost certain. It was fifty years ago after all."

"Fifty years," Jacob said with a smile and lifted Renesmee's hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. "Feels like yesterday."

"It does," Renesmee said. "Whatever happened to Sgt. Lovejoy?"

"Embry and Quil got rid of him," Jacob answered. "He came to arrest me so we hung him. They burned his body and broke down the horse for dried meat if I remember correctly. Then we hid his weapons so no one would ever find them."

"It's a relief no one ever did," Renesmee said. "I remember when I'd been returned to Olympia. I'd told my father I didn't care what he said; that I was returning to you whether he liked it or not."

"Yes, your father gave me a hell of an ear full about that when we met," Jacob smiled and kissed Renesmee's hand again.

"You didn't exactly help the situation you know," Renesmee teased.

"So long as you came home," Jacob said. "I wish Edward hadn't been the one to tell me you were pregnant. I hated myself for not ending Lovejoy and his men that day instead of letting them take you."

"We did the right thing at the time," Renesmee insisted. "I'd never have been able to live with myself if anything had happened to your mother and father because of me."

"I know," Jacob said and then stared off reminiscently. "I miss them so much. Even now, it feels strange being chief. The man trained me my whole life to take up his mantle, but it hurt to lose him."

"Your father would have been very proud of you," Renesmee reassured. "He was always proud of you."

"I know," Jacob said. "There's a lot of things I wish I could change from what happened over the years. At least I always had you by my side." Jacob leaned down to give Renesmee a kiss and when they parted, they just stared into one another's eyes. "I love you. I loved you fifty years ago and I love you that much more now."

"I love you too," Renesmee said and kissed Jacob again.

They continued to walk around Seattle together, even passing the candle shop as they went along and Kevin's law firm. They talked about their years together and everything that happened to them and to their children and everything their children have accomplished. When it was nearing sundown, Jacob led Renesmee outside the city and to the large hill in the mountains that overlooked Seattle. It really had changed so much over the years. It had gotten bigger and busier with more lights and cars in the roads. It was louder too.

"This is where I asked you to marry me," Jacob finally said.

"I remember," Renesmee smiled. "I can't believe we made love out here."

"I can," Jacob said and started kissing Renesmee's neck. "I think the fireworks were still going off when we did." Renesmee swatted Jacob's chest while he chuckled.

"You're innuendos have certainly improved in vulgarity over the years," Renesmee giggled.

"My English got better. So sue me," Jacob said.

"I'll call our son and check if I have a case," Renesmee said and Jacob started laughing a little harder.

"I'm so proud of that boy," Jacob said.

"He's not a boy anymore, Jacob," Renesmee said and was saddened just a little by the declaration. "I still remember when he was, though."

"Me too," Jacob smiled. "I remember when he and Embry Jr. used to get into all sorts of mischief. Kevin and Embry were always playing together, Kyle was glued to you by the hip, Nathan was our little black sheep and Natalie was my little girl."

"It's so strange," Renesmee said and brushed away a small tear. "I'm so proud of them all but even now I have moments where I wish they were my babies again. Sometimes it feels like I'd give just about anything for Kevin to be my baby boy again. Or for Kyle to be my little apprentice; not quite able to walk yet but can mix up an herbal remedy as good as me or his uncle. Or when the twins were babies and Natalie used to run right to you if she was ever in trouble. She always knew daddy would get her out of just about anything."

Jacob chuckled, "To be fair, Natalie was generally very well behaved. Nathan was the trouble maker." Jacob remembered something and chuckled. "Remember when he pick pocketed that delivery guy that brought those bikes?"

"Yes, I do, and the man threw a fit," Renesmee said. "As I recall, your brand of punishment was to tell him about a little treasure of pennies you had."

"It was fun for him," Jacob smiled. "We all went into town to get candy."

"Again, I recall specifically telling you he could have two pieces of candy and what happens? You bring home two dollars' worth of candy."

"He shared," Jacob said.

"After I made him," Renesmee sighed heavily. "Then he made your poor daughter eat licorice."

"Better to eat some licorice than kiss a frog," Jacob said. "That led to Natalie getting her mouth and face washed out."

"I remember," Renesmee said. "Poor Natalie. The torment she endured from those boys."

"It's a natural part of growing up with siblings," Jacob said. "You wouldn't understand. You're an only child."

"I can't say telling your little sister kissing a frog will result in a prince is 'natural' Jacob," Renesmee said.

"That's your Aunt Rosalie's fault, Renesmee. Not mine," Jacob chuckled.

"Fair enough," Renesmee smiled. "Now they all have children of their own. Even Kyle."

"Sometimes I think he got Evalina pregnant just to shut you up," Jacob said with a laugh. Renesmee was about to protest, but Jacob stopped her. "Renesmee, you nagged the boy to death about getting married. Then when he finally got married, you nagged him about having a kid. Now that they finally have Evalynn, I'm shocked you aren't demanding they get to work on a second one."

"Perhaps I'll start and tell Kyle it's your fault," Renesmee said and Jacob laughed. "You won't think it's so funny when Kyle starts complaining to you about me nagging him for a second grandchild."

"Renesmee, relax," Jacob said, "We have…how many now? 10? We even have a great granddaughter and will probably have more great grandkids once JJ and Eun Mi have kids. You have nothing to complain about."

"I just would love more is all," Renesmee said.

"You're impossible," Jacob laughed and returned to kissing Renesmee's neck.

"I'm family oriented," Renesmee retorted.

"You're impossible," Jacob repeated and nipped at Renesmee's ear and felt her tremble.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting lots of grandchildren. The whole point of grandchildren is enjoying raising them without having to actually give birth to them."

"I suppose," Jacob said. "Problem is someone has to actually give birth to them." He felt Renesmee shrug and he laughed again. "If you didn't actually have to deliver them, how many kids do you think we would have had?"

"Maybe as many as Caevia and Embry did."

"Oh Christ, no," Jacob said. "It's enough listening to you complain about the four we have and them not giving you enough grand kids. Most of Caevia's kids are still decidedly single. Only difference is she doesn't get on their case about it. If you had four or five kids that needed scolding for not being married, I may have lost my mind. If nothing else, I guess it would have at least kept you busy."

"Running a school keeps me plenty busy," Renesmee said.

"Yes, I know," Jacob said with a smile. "You did our tribe a lot of good. I think imprinting on you was probably the best thing to ever happen to us."

"Do you mean that?" Renesmee asked.

"I do," Jacob said. "I wouldn't trade you or everything we've been through together for the world."

"Neither would I," Renesmee smiled and they shared another kiss.

They stayed on that hill together for another hour before Jacob brought her back to the tribe. But instead of bringing her home, they went to her family's house and when they arrived, the whole family was there congratulating them and wishing them a happy anniversary. Renesmee wasn't surprised, but she was still touched by the gesture and made sure to hug everyone and thank them for doing this. When she got to Kyle and Evalina, she hugged them both and then took Evalynn in her arms to kiss and coo her.

"So Kyle," Renesmee said, "your father was kind enough to remind me that you've only given me one grandchild. I'd say we're due for a second one."

"She's lying, Kyle. I was just kidding," Jacob said.

"Yeah, sure you were," Kyle grumbled and Evalina laughed.

"Give us a few years, Renesmee, and we'll give you another grandchild. Maybe a son? Caleb?"

"Later," Kyle groaned and rubbed his face. "Damn it, dad, why did you have to get her going?"

"Caleb Dimitri is a good name," Dimitri said.

"Caleb Afton is more acceptable," Afton said.

"Who says Caleb Dante wouldn't work?" Dante spoke up.

"I think that sounds lovely actually," Evalina smiled.

"God damn it," Kyle groaned to himself still rubbing his face while the three men started to bicker. "See what you did, dad?"

"This is your mother's fault, Kyle," Jacob said.

"I beg to differ," Renesmee said though half-heartedly as her attention was entirely on Evalynn and now Heather who she'd also taken into her arms. "And for the record, Kyle, I would adore another grandson. Speaking of which, Ariel, Gabriel, Salem, come here."

Ariel, Gabriel and Salem came forward to give Renesmee a big hug and congratulations. All the other grandkids came to Renesmee as well and she gave them all hugs in return. Ivory had stayed longer than usual just to be there for her grandparents' anniversary and gave Renesmee a hug too. The rest of the evening was spent talking and reminiscing about their fifty years with their children, grandchildren and their great granddaughter. Just to tease, she even started poking at Ariel, Gabriel and Salem about when they planned to start giving her great grandkids. "Christ, Renesmee," Jacob chuckled, "On our hundredth anniversary are you going to nag our great grandkids about when they're getting married and giving us great, great grandkids?"

"You bet your ass I will," Renesmee answered crossed armed and everyone had a good laugh.

"By then it'll be great, great grandkids she'd be nagging I would assume," Kevin said.

"Shut up," Kyle said and they all laughed again.

It was the wee hours of the morning when Jacob and Renesmee finally returned to their own home where it was quiet. So many things happened in that house over the half century, good and bad. There was even still a slight chip in the paint where Jacob had thrown a chair at the wall when he found out Kevin had joined the army. Their children's rooms were still as they'd been left. Now it was for guests and anyone that needed beds for the night. Their family room was filled to bursting with pictures from throughout the years including wedding pictures from all their children and JJ's. But theirs was always missing.

"Renesmee," Jacob said.

"Yes?"

"I have one more present for you," Jacob said and led her with him to their family room. There was a large flat square wrapped on the couch.

"What's this?" Renesmee asked.

"Something that your father and Aunt Alice made for us with Amber's help. It's something we've been missing all these years."

Renesmee looked at Jacob a moment and then went to the large wrapped item. She tore away the paper to reveal a portrait. But it wasn't just any portrait. Not in the least. Renesmee stepped back and covered her mouth shocked at what she was seeing. It was a portrait of her and Jacob. In the foreground was a large bonfire and the night sky. She wore the rabbit fur dress and the white wolf's skin with her hair slightly curled as it poked out and Jacob was in his traditional coat and the dark wolf's skin. In the portrait, the two of them were looking at one another longingly. She remembered that smile from Jacob exactly in fact. It was an adaptation of their wedding day in vibrant color.

"How…" Renesmee barely managed.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure," Jacob said. "But your dad said he could make it happen and Amber said she wanted to paint it. I don't know how she got it done so fast, but she did it. When I saw it, I couldn't believe how perfect it is. It was as though they'd been there to take a picture. Just in color."

"Jacob, it's perfect," Renesmee said as tears filled her eyes and she picked up the painting to look at it more closely. She immediately looked at the mantle of their fireplace. "I want it right in the center," Renesmee said, pointing where they currently had a few other pictures hanging. "We'll rearrange the pictures so they surround our wedding picture."

"In the morning," Jacob said as he wrapped his arms around Renesmee's waist and started kissing her neck. He took the picture and gently placed it on the coffee table, then lifted her into his arms to start kissing her. "Happy Anniversary," Jacob said between kisses.

"Happy Anniversary," Renesmee reciprocated through tears of joy.

Jacob lifted Renesmee in his arms and ran them upstairs so they could spend the rest of their night in each other's arms celebrating their 50th anniversary as if it were their wedding night all over again. When they could be bothered to finally leave their bedroom the following day, they moved around their pictures on the wall so the portrait could be in the center above the fireplace and then put their other family pictures around it so there were pictures all over the wall surrounding the fireplace. Once it was done, Renesmee stared at it for several minutes admiring the arrangement. She stared at the pictures of their children when they were little, of the giant family photos that were taken, the pictures that included Sokajili, William and Sara, all her son's pictures of them in their uniforms: there was something fulfilling about all the pictures. Their portrait in the center with all the other family photos surrounding it in order of the years they occurred with JJ's wedding picture being furthest from the portrait.

"We may need to consider putting family pictures somewhere else," Jacob said.

"We'll talk about it when we run out of wall," Renesmee said. Jacob smiled at Renesmee and took her in his arms.

"Here's to another 50 years," Jacob said and kissed Renesmee's cheek. "And another 50 after that."

It was later in the month on the 20th when the Eisenhower administration began; just about everyone in the family was glued to their TV to watch the inaugural speech. Eisenhower started his inaugural speech with a prayer asking everyone bow their heads as he prayed. He referenced the wars of the past, the war they faced in Korea and a chilling reference to the power of Nuclear power they faced as a very real threat. But with that reference, Eisenhower proclaimed the future was bright with a renewal of faith in their country and the good he was promising would come with his presidency. In the United States the inaugural speech was watched live by millions of Americans whereas troops all over the world, Korea included, had to listen to a recording of the inaugural speech days afterwards. Eun Mi and all the others at the M.A.S.H gathered in the mess hall so they could listen to the inaugural address. During the recording, there was an interruption of the speech for a gentle round of applause when Eisenhower referenced they would be taking the challenges facing the nation with confidence.

It was the first time that Eun Mi had ever heard the man's voice and it was strange. She could see why people voted for the man. He spoke with confidence and had a reassuring tone in his voice that she might associate with a father instilling confidence and pride into his son. Even she was comforted by the man. JJ and the others at the parallel were able to listen to the 20 minute speech in cycles. It played a few times during their respective meal times to ensure everyone that wanted to hear the speech got to hear it. JJ and Hadley sat together and listened to the speech when they ate and both had a hope that Eisenhower would end the war in Korea so they could all go home. The speech ended with a glowing round of applause as Eisenhower thanked everyone for listening.

"So do you think we'll finally be able to be home by Christmas?" Hadley asked.

"Don't say it," JJ said with a gentle smile. "You'll jinx it."

They laughed a little but also knocked on the wooden table, slamming their fists on them even, hoping that maybe there was a hope that they would be home by Christmas. But in the meantime, they were still stuck at the parallel both sides effectively staring each other down. When the spring finally came and around Heather's 2ndbirthday, the weather had improved enough that Embry was finally able to set up Heather's playground set in the backyard. She hovered over him the whole time eager to play with her new playground set. Embry got the swing set done first so Amber could keep Heather busy while Embry worked on the other equipment. He'd started in the morning and had it finished in the afternoon. He was ready for a nap and a beer when he was finally done but Heather wanted to break in her new toy. Amber, Anna and Heather played together with the playground while Kevin, Embry and Levi sat together on the porch enjoying a beer on lawn chairs.

"Do you think she likes it?" Embry asked while Heather eagerly slid down the slid, Anna pushing her down and Amber at the bottom to catch her.

"She likes it more than spinach at least," Kevin joked. "I told Nathan you were setting this up today so he's planning to bring Jaedynn and Lulu over so they can play with it."

"You'll need to stop by the store for more beer, then," Levi said. "I took the last one."

"Nathan can bring it himself," Kevin said. "I think Evalina will be bringing Evalynn tomorrow too. I don't know if she can keep up with the other girls, but we'll see."

"Can she even walk yet?" Levi asked.

"She's sitting up on her own," Embry said. "And when you hold her, she'll press her feet on your thighs trying to stand up on her own. She's a cute little thing."

"How's Kyle adjusting to being a father? He seemed much more comfortable when I last saw him."

"He cheats, but he's adjusting," Kevin said.

"Be honest, Kevin. You look me in the eye and tell me that if you were a mind reader you wouldn't abuse that power relentlessly where your kid is concerned."

"Oh no, I'd never be out of my kid's head. It's still cheating though."

Embry laughed, "Careful, Kevin. Your skin's turning green."

Levi chuckled at the joke while he continued to watch Heather enjoy her playground set. When it was dinner time and Amber tried to get Heather inside, she begged to be able to eat her dinner outside and, so she wasn't alone, Embry ate outside with her in the jungle gym. Kevin got a table outside so everyone could eat outside but Embry stayed with Heather on the playground. In Korea, JJ was able to get a few days off to return to the M.A.S.H. Once he received the news, JJ wrote to Eun Mi letting her know to expect him and Eun Mi was able to get the time off with Terry.

It was the 25th of April early in the morning when the horn went off to wake everyone. Eun Mi stayed in bed since she had obtained that day off and Yon gave her a little pat to the shoulder telling her to enjoy her time off before leaving for the mess hall. Eun Mi was back to sleep in no time but didn't stay asleep very long. When she woke back up, she got out of her cot and went to the showers so she could clean up before JJ came back. Since she was all alone in the bunk, she undressed right at her cot and went to the showers with just her towel. She took as warm a shower as was offered. It was still chilly, but nowhere near as bad as it would get in winter. While she washed up, she heard the door to the bunk open and close. Eun Mi stayed in the shower listening as the footsteps came closer and closer.

"Eun Mi, is that you?" JJ's voice came outside of the showers.

"Yes, it's me," she answered. "I'm alone in here."

"Mind if I join you?" JJ asked. Eun Mi smiled and blushed as she overheard JJ already undressing anyway.

"We'll just have to be careful no one sees us," Eun Mi said. Moments later, JJ stepped into the showers naked and came up behind her and kissed the wet skin of her shoulder.

"I missed you," JJ whispered to her and then started getting himself wet from the cold water. "You know, this is actually not so bad compared to what we get at the parallel."

"Our visits to the inn are the only times I've had a hot bath since I was working for The Mistress," Eun Mi said. "Her whore house had this giant communal bath and we'd all bath together."

"That's not unusual in Korea right?"

"Not at all," Eun Mi said. "It was the only thing I liked about working for The Mistress: the daily hot baths."

"Back in Japan," JJ said, "for the brief time I was there, I found out it's evidently really common to take a shower first and then soak in a bath."

Eun Mi moaned, "That sounds heavenly."

"It does," JJ agreed.

"You know what I would love?" Eun Mi said. "I would love a giant tub so we can both fit in it with our children."

"Yeah, that I always thought was a little weird," JJ said. "I know it's not considered weird in Japan and Korea for parents and kids to bath together, but it's not really something we do in the U.S."

"Why would it be weird?" Eun Mi asked.

"I guess we just value privacy a lot more back home," JJ shrugged. "Although if you want a giant tub, I'll make it happen if you want. I certainly wouldn't mind us having a bath together every night." Eun Mi smiled when she felt JJ kiss her neck.

"Can we afford that?"

"I have generous and capable relatives," JJ said.

"Do you?" Eun Mi teased. She'd cleaned herself off as much as she'd needed to, so she turned to face JJ and used a pair of phantom hands to push herself upward so she was at his level. They switched sides so he was in the stream of cool water and Eun Mi started scrubbing his head. "Honestly, if it produces hot water, I will be happy."

"I'll guarantee the hot water," JJ said and kissed her.

They kissed for a few minutes, but Eun Mi eventually stopped JJ so she could finish washing his hair and then turned off the water once they were done. They dried off and got dressed in the showers so as to ensure they didn't get dirt on their feet. Once dressed, Eun Mi was about to leave the showers herself but JJ came up behind her and took her into his arms carrying her back to her cot.

"You'll be here for three days?"

"Today, tomorrow and I leave the 26th," JJ said. "Sorry I didn't try to get us a room at the inn."

"It's alright," Eun Mi said. "We can always just sneak around. Oh and there's going to be a movie showing again tonight."

"What movie?"

"I can't remember," Eun Mi said. "I know it's extremely popular in the U.S."

"We'll find out tonight," JJ said. "We'll get a view from the back and if we don't like it, we can always leave early. In the meantime," JJ gently put Eun Mi down on her cot and reached into his pocket to remove a deck of cards, "would you humor me with a game of poker?"

"Do you promise not to accuse me of cheating?" Eun Mi asked playfully.

"No," JJ answered honestly and Eun Mi giggled. She removed the coat she wore so she was only in her short sleeve cook's dress.

"I can't very well cheat without sleeves."

"You'd be surprised," JJ chuckled and sat on the cot across from her. "Did you want to bet anything?"

"No, we can just play the game," Eun Mi said.

"You know, it's been a while since we played strip poker," JJ said and Eun Mi blushed.

"This might not be the place to play," Eun Mi smiled shyly. "What if someone walks in on us?"

"Fair point," JJ said and appeared thoughtful a moment. He continued to think and then, when a thought crossed his head, he smiled. "It's still a bit early," he said to himself. "Come on. I have an idea."

JJ put the deck of cards back in his pocket and took Eun Mi's hand to lead her from the bunk to where he was thinking. Most people were going about their day normally. JJ brought Eun Mi to the game room on base where there were tables, a TV in one corner and a game table. There were four men there already and they were playing their own game of poker while they shared a giant pot of coffee after a long all-nighter in the medical tents. They hadn't even noticed JJ and Eun Mi enter the game room nor did they notice the two of them go past to one of the back rooms where there was a ping pong table and a darts game on the wall. There was a little curtain that separated that section from the rest of the room, so JJ pulled it out so they had a degree of privacy.

"JJ," Eun Mi whispered, "They might catch us."

"Don't worry, they won't," JJ said. "Besides: we're just playing poker." JJ winked at her and Eun Mi blushed a little more. JJ walked over to her and leaned down a little so he was closer to her. "We can just play regular poker if you like. I can get us some chips too so we can even gamble. But they're chips, so no harm."

"Let's just play poker for now," Eun Mi said. "If they leave and it stays rather quiet, then maybe we'll do some strip poker."

"Alright," JJ smiled and kissed her. Then he left the sectioned off room to grab those chips he talked about and then returned with a big box of them. He put that box down on the ping pong table and then went back out to grab a table and two chairs getting them set up in a large enough corner. Once it was all set up, JJ divided the chips so they both had equal portions and dealt five cards for the both of them. He took his own seat, looked at Eun Mi with a smile and then gestured toward the other chair. "Mrs. Dauer," he said. Eun Mi giggled and approached the table sitting across from JJ taking up her hand so they could start.

"Can I ask? Do you enjoy potentially getting caught?"

"It's not that," JJ chuckled a little as he dropped one card and picked up another. "I just don't get to see you as often as I want. I just like to take advantage of whatever time we have together. Why? Do you like the idea of being caught?"

"Not in the least," Eun MI blushed. "It's like you said: we don't get much time together. So whatever we can get is appreciated." Eun Mi put down a card, took a new one and then threw a few chips onto the middle of the table.

"Getting confident are we?" JJ teased.

"I just realized I didn't have any chips in and should probably correct the oversight. You don't have any chips in either."

"That's true, I don't," JJ smiled and pushed in half the chips he had.

"You're bluffing," Eun Mi accused.

"Am I? Are you sure?"

"It's too early in the game for you to have anything worthwhile. Unless, of course, you're cheating."

"Oh, throwing that accusation at me?" JJ chuckled. "Fine, hotshot. We can put our hands down now."

"Let's do that," Eun Mi said. They stared at one another a moment and then put down their hands at the same time. They both had nothing. "I knew you were bluffing."

"I can't hide anything from you," JJ grinned and dealt them both a new hand to start over. "Chips stay in the middle since neither of us won."

"Alright," Eun Mi nodded.

The two of them played another round of poker, trading and removing cards from their hand, taking another card from the deck and adding chips as they got more confident. JJ ended up putting all his chips in after a smirk came on his face. Eun Mi looked at the chips and then at him.

"You're bluffing again," Eun Mi said.

"Care to try me?" JJ asked. Eun Mi stared at him a moment trying to determine if he really was bluffing. Then she put in all her own chips and saw JJ raise an eyebrow. "I dare say now you're bluffing."

"Care to try me?" Eun Mi grinned.

"Sure. Deal," JJ said and they put down their hands. JJ had Four of a Kind, but Eun Mi just barely beat him with her Straight Flush.

"I win," Eun MI smiled and brought all the chips to her side of the table while JJ leered playfully at her.

"You've been practicing," JJ said.

"I play poker now and then with a girl in the kitchen that loves poker," Eun Mi said. "Sometimes we play the doctors too."

"And have you won money doing that?"

"I won $120 one night," Eun Mi said and JJ grinned.

"I've created a monster. When you can finally meet Uncle Hailey, he'll love playing against you. Might give him a few more grey hairs while you're at it."

"That would be fun," Eun Mi said. "Did you want to try again?" Eun Mi picked up one chip and tossed it to JJ's side of the table with a little grin. JJ stared at the chip and then at Eun Mi a moment with the same teasing glare. Then he got up from his chair without a word, went to the tarp offering them privacy and glanced out into the game room. Once he'd checked what he wanted to, JJ came back and sat down.

"Those doctors are gone," JJ said. "I figure we have the game room to ourselves until noon at least." JJ put all the chips messily back into the box so the table was cleared of everything but their cards. Then he took the cards and started shuffling them, never breaking eye contact with Eun Mi.

Eun Mi kept watching him in return as he shuffled the cards and then dealt them both five cards for their hand. He put the remainder of the cards between them and only broke eye contact with her when he picked up his cards to see his hand. Eun Mi picked up her own hand and they traded and retrieved cards from the deck accordingly.

"I'm ready to deal," JJ said.

"Alright," Eun Mi answered and they put down their hands. Eun Mi had Two Pair while JJ had a High Card.

"I win this round," JJ smirked. Eun Mi blushed but met his smile with the same cockiness. She removed her shoes and placed them right next to the box of chips on the floor.

Eun Mi collected the cards this time and shuffled them before dealing each of them five cards. For two rounds, neither of them had anything. Then on the fourth round, JJ won again so Eun Mi removed her socks and placed them with her shoes. There was one more round of no one winning. Next round Eun Mi won.

"I have a Flush," she said, beating his Three of a Kind.

"Yes, I see that," JJ smiled and unbuttoned his uniform jacket until it was off and he was in his white tank top. "I'm a little more adventurous."

Eun Mi just smirked and let JJ shuffle the deck and pass out their cards. The next round Eun Mi won again so JJ removed his tank top. Neither of them won the next two rounds. Then JJ won a round. He was expecting Eun Mi to unbutton her cook's dress and she knew that's what he was expecting. So instead, Eun Mi used her ghostly hands to lift herself off her chair just enough and used another pair of her hands to remove the panties she wore. Once off, Eun Mi placed herself back down on her chair, showed JJ the panties and then put them on the table as if to taunt him. He looked at the panties and then at Eun Mi.

"You fucking cock tease," JJ said and Eun Mi laughed.

"That's the point of the game isn't it?" JJ stared at her with a mean yet playful glare and kept looking at her as he took the cards, shuffled them and then cut the deck.

Eun Mi smiled at him and accepted her hand so they could proceed to the next round. JJ won that round as well and Eun Mi undid her braid for the loss and fluffed her hair so it surrounded her like a black silk blanket. Eun Mi shuffled and cut the deck and she won the next round. So JJ kicked off his boots. The next two rounds neither of them won. The round after that JJ won and when he did, he just looked at her with a shit eater grin.

"I know for a fact you've got nothing else on under that dress," JJ said. "So I win."

"Who says I'm not wearing a bra?"

"I know you're not," JJ said. "You never put one on. You never wear a bra anyway."

"Maybe I did today," Eun Mi protested with a smile.

"Prove it then," JJ grinned. He saw the hue in Eun Mi's cheeks go pink. He loved it when that hue filled her cheeks but he loved it more when it was accompanied with her shy yet lusty smile. She reached her hands up to start unbuttoning her dress and she got a few undone when the quiet was interrupted.

"So I tell Jenny, 'No, we don't owe them $50 fucking dollars and you need to tell them they can take that bill and shove it right up their asses,'" came a voice as the owner of it entered the game room. Eun Mi and JJ were still unseen behind the curtain, but the sudden sound had stopped Eun Mi in her tracks.

"Have you called them yourself? Sounds to me like they scared her pretty bad," another guy said.

"I'm calling later, but I told Jenny not to take their calls anymore," the first voice said.

"JJ," Eun Mi whispered, "what do we do?" The men that had come in continued their conversation while JJ checked the room they were in.

"I guess we can get out from there," JJ pointed at the ground where it met the giant tarp that acted as the walls of the temporary structure. "I'll go out first and make sure no one's there."

JJ got dressed really quick and crawled out of the room. Eun Mi put back on her own clothes in the meantime and when JJ was outside, he patted the tarp to let her know it was safe for her to come out. Her face was near beet red by the time they were both outside and JJ was aggravated initially but calmed as soon as he looked at Eun Mi.

"Sorry. I thought that would be a good idea."

"It was still fun," Eun Mi reassured. "I hadn't realized it was already noon."

"It isn't," JJ said. "It's ten."

"Oh," Eun Mi said and then giggled. "I suppose the doctors all tend to have rather erratic hours."

"Don't we all?" JJ sighed. He appeared thoughtful again and Eun Mi was quiet while he thought. "Let's go back to the bunk and see if that's empty."

JJ took Eun Mi's hand and she followed him through the base back to the bunk she stayed in. Thankfully there was no one there but wanting to ensure they weren't caught, Eun Mi insisted they go to the showers where they wouldn't be disturbed. Once they were in the showers and alone, JJ lightened the mood right away with a smile.

"I believe you were about to prove to me that you were wearing a bra," JJ said, his reward Eun Mi's renewed blush. She eventually reached her hands back up to her buttons. She'd not bothered buttoning up the ones she'd already undone, so it only took four more buttons before the center of her chest was in view. JJ kneeled down before her and started undoing the remaining buttons of her dress. Lo and behold, there was no bra. Only her bare breasts. "Now why would you lie to me, Eun Mi?"

"I was only joking," Eun Mi sighed, JJ having already started kissing up her midriff. "Please don't be mad at me."

"I'll let it go just this once," JJ said before reaching her breasts and kissing her there.

Eun Mi sighed again and leaned most of her weight on JJ as he held her and took one of her nipples into his mouth to pleasure her. She whimpered when she felt his tongue against her and brought her hands into his short hair while her own curtained around them as she held her head down. Her bangs that she'd had were long since gone having grown out to about half the length of the rest of her hair. After he'd finished with her left breast, JJ kissed his way to her right and did the same thing to her right breast. At the same time, he brought his hands to her panties and pulled them down. Once they'd fallen to her ankles, JJ caressed her hips, butt and lower back tenderly.

He brought his right hand around so he could touch between her legs. He brushed two fingers over the folds of her entrance, instantly feeling her wetness as it coated his fingers. He groaned when he felt how wet she was and slipped those two fingers inside her making Eun Mi whimper his name again and nearly fall over. When she had, JJ took his mouth away from Eun Mi's breast and instead brought his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. JJ stayed kneeling on the ground while they kissed and he pressed his fingers inside her in a gentle motion with his thumb pressing against her clitoris.

Eun Mi took her hands out of JJ's hair and instead trailed them down into the back of his uniform so she could touch his back and gently drag her nails over his skin. She felt him shiver under the feel of her nails and he smiled against her lips as they kissed. His thumb became more aggressive and he rubbed her with more speed trying to bring her over the edge as quickly as he could. Eun Mi whimpered from the change in intensity and rested her cheek against the top of JJ's head and moaned gently while JJ started kissing her neck. Eun Mi held on tightly as JJ eased her through to her first orgasm. When it came, Eun Mi whimpered his name and dug her nails into his back.

She'd barely come down from her hair when JJ removed his fingers from inside her, she heard JJ undo his pants and then stood up straight taking Eun Mi up with him and slipped inside her in one swift stroke. He pressed her against the wall with his hands on her hips and thrust in and out in a set rhythm. Still feeling the effects of her orgasm, Eun Mi was already trembling from the feel of JJ inside her and she ran her hands all over his body. Her visible hands were in his hair while her phantom hands were touching his back and legs. His hold on her tightened and he started moving faster and faster. JJ felt one of Eun Mi's hands go between them to touch herself intimately as she came closer and closer to a second release. It encouraged him to go even faster until he felt Eun Mi's body clamp down on his own and her nails dug into his skin again as she moaned. JJ was close behind and barely remembered to pull out just before reaching his own release. They kissed while they returned from their high together and then JJ pulled away so he could kiss her neck.

"I love you," JJ whispered to her.

"I love you too," she answered and they held one another for several minutes before finally parting and getting dressed.

After that, they returned to the game room and played poker with a few other people. JJ was eager to see Eun Mi play seriously. It was certainly serious when Eun Mi bet $10. Even JJ had only bet $5. The doctors and recovering men they played with decided Eun Mi must be bluffing and bet anywhere between $5 to $12 in the case of one of the medics. The game lasted for twenty minutes and some folded immediately knowing they had nothing while one of the recovering men persisted, confident in his hand. JJ was still in the game and he was the one that pushed to present their cards. The last man in the game had a Full House while JJ only had a Flush. Eun Mi, on the other hand, had Four of a Kind, just barely beating the other guy and winning the game $42 richer with a triumphant smile that JJ couldn't help but chuckle at. He really had created a monster.

Later that night when it was time for the movie, JJ and Eun Mi went to the little make shift theatre staying in the back. It was a screening of Casablanca. JJ held Eun Mi so she could see the screen easier, but she also pushed herself up with a pair of hands. By the time the movie was over, it was a little chilly outside and Eun Mi was snuggling up to JJ to keep herself warm. People started to disperse after the movie was over so JJ let go of Eun Mi enough so it could appear he was putting her down when really she was just lowering herself back onto the ground. They walked hand in hand back to her bunk in a crowd of people also returning to their bunks for the night. Once they'd reached Eun Mi's bunk, she stopped so she could turn to look at him.

"I'll see you in the morning?"

"Bright and early," JJ smiled and leaned down to kiss her. "Good night, Eun Mi. I love you."

"I love you too," Eun Mi said and kissed him back before they finally let go of one another and Eun Mi had returned inside.

Once she was in the bunk, a number of the women were snickering a little and when she glanced at her cot, she realized why. On the tiny end table beside her cot was a bouquet of fresh white gardenias in a glass vase and a little note gently placed beside it. She went to her cot and smelled the flowers, unable to resist, and smiled at their gentle fragrance.

"What's the occasion?" one woman asked.

"Does he need one?" another woman replied while Eun Mi just ignored them all and took the note beside the flowers.

Eun Mi,

It's about a month late, but a year ago you made me the happiest man alive. Even though we've had to be apart so often, I'm happier knowing I have you to return to. Happy anniversary.

I love you. Ich liebe dich. Nay-ellii.

JJ

Eun Mi smiled and bent the note in such a manner that it would remain open when laid against the vase of flowers. Of course, refusing to not have the last word, Eun Mi got a blank piece of paper and wrote her own message on it and returned outside. She stopped someone that was going to the men's bunk and asked him to give the message to JJ. JJ was getting ready for bed when the man in question came to the bunk.

"Dauer," the man said, "your wife said to give you this."

"Thank you," JJ accepted the note and opened it to read.

Relax, JJ. It's not a contest.

Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful. Happy Anniversary.

I love you. 사랑해요

Eun Mi

JJ nearly laughed out loud when he read the note. It took a moment to remember how to read the Hangeul, but he knew it meant I love you. He folded the note back up and kept it tucked in his uniform pocket where he kept the picture of Eun Mi, his father and the picture from their wedding. He took out that picture and looked at her in her hanbok and wedding make up. It was a shame the picture was black and white. He stared at the picture until his eyes were too heavy to stay awake but he woke early the next morning and went right to the women's bunk. He waited outside for a while figuring some of the women were still getting changed for the day. After a moment, several women came outside and Yon was among them. When she saw JJ, she smiled at him.

"That was very romantic what you did," Yon said.

"I like to think so," JJ said. "Is Eun Mi awake?"

"I told her to stay in bed. Give the rest of the girls a few more minutes to leave and then you can go in."

"Thanks Yon," JJ answered and waited outside as instructed.

He waited about four more minutes as the last of the women left the bunk. When there was enough time that passed where no one else came out, JJ poked his head inside to make sure and stepped in when he was sure. Eun Mi was still in bed when he walked in and looked like she had fallen back asleep. He smiled and went over to her cot taking a seat on the edge right beside her.

"Eun Mi," JJ whispered and she stirred, waking and then looked up at him.

"Morning," Eun Mi smiled. "Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful."

"I'm glad you liked them," JJ smiled. Then he kicked off his boots and got under the covers right beside Eun Mi. His feet hanged off the end of the bed and with them laying side by side, it was a tight fit on the cot, but JJ made sure he was more so on the edge so Eun Mi was more comfortable. "Happy belated anniversary," JJ said and pressed a kiss to Eun Mi's lips.

"JJ," she said between kisses, "what if someone walks in?"

"We'll stay under the covers," was JJ's solution and he kept kissing her as his hands went down to her hips to pull up her dress.

Eun Mi made no other protests as JJ sat up only long enough to get her panties off and drop them on the sheets of the cot before coming back down to her. They did little more than kiss one another. JJ unbuttoned the top of Eun Mi's dress so he could touch her breasts and Eun Mi unbuttoned his uniform but his tank top was still in her way until she forced it up his chest so she could finally feel his skin. JJ took a moment to touch the folds of her entrance to make sure she was ready and when he was sure, JJ undid the fastenings of his pants and slipped inside her. Once he was in, he set a steady pace that increased gradually as the pleasure intensified for both of them until they'd both reached their climax and JJ pulled out last minute. They came down from their highs remaining in each other's arms until the blanket of the cot.

The two of them spend the rest of the day together in the game room playing poker and ping pong. She made him a quick dinner from the food that was already prepared and rather than enjoy it in the mess hall, they went outside together and stared up at the stars. Another means of enjoying a belated anniversary. JJ had to return the following morning, so he and Eun Mi said their goodbyes to one another before JJ got on the convoy back to the parallel, promising to write as soon as he got there. Back home, Heather's spring had been spent thus far spending nearly every waking moment on her new playground set. She'd given herself scrapped knees and elbows and even bumped her head once or twice on her swing seat, but she loved it. Someone was always there to make sure she didn't suffer a serious injury.

"I'm beginning to regret you getting this for her," Kevin said one afternoon in May when Heather was going down the slide over and over again laughing jubilantly each time as though it was the first time.

"Why? She loves it."

"She's restless. More than usual I should say," Kevin said. "The other day when it started raining, Amber was trying to get her to come inside but she refused. Heather stayed hidden under the bridge over there and colored with that bridge the only thing keeping her dry. When she finally did come inside, she said she was cold and wanted hot chocolate and Amber tells her no; that she's only getting a bath and going to bed. Heather came straight to me crying."

"Did you let her have any hot chocolate?"

"Nope. I told her mommy said she had to take a bath and go to bed so that's what she had to do. Then Heather started crying more and throwing a tantrum," Kevin sighed. "I tell you: Amber's stronger than I am. Amber told Heather she could either behave herself and eat her dinner quietly before her bath and going to bed or go to bed without dinner and made good on it when Heather just screamed louder."

"Don't let it bother you too much, Kevin," Embry said. "She's two for shit sake. That's when they start testing your authority and tell you 'no' to everything. You just have to teach them that behavior isn't going to be tolerated even if it means letting them cry the whole time."

"Well," Kevin sighed, "On the bright side, she hasn't behaved that way since that night. Lately when Amber tells her it's time to come inside, she listens."

"See? She learned her lesson," Embry encouraged. "Take it from someone that's had to discipline his own siblings when they were toddlers: you've got to be patient with them but you need to let them know who the parent is and who the kid is. If you let her get away with too much and you'll end up with a Veda Pierce." Kevin shuddered. "Exactly. Nobody wants that. Least of all me."

Kevin chuckled, "Well, I would hope you wouldn't tell Heather you aren't going to marry her and laugh in her face until she shoots you to death."

"I've made it a life goal to not give her a reason to shoot me," Embry joked and they laughed. Heather overheard them laughing and ran over hoping to join them. Then she started tugging on Embry's pant leg to get him to come with her to her playground. "We'll start by playing with her on the playground."

Kevin chuckled as Heather pulled Embry with her by the hand to the playground and made him push her on the swing while Kevin stayed on the porch watching them. They stayed outside until Amber returned home from the candle shop for the day and made dinner for everyone. After dinner, Embry and Kevin kept Heather busy while Amber got some work done on some unity candles, undergoing another wedding rush for the year. She was trying to get as many orders done as possible since she and Kevin were going to go to LA for a few days for their anniversary again, this time just the two of them. Heather was finally weaned completely, so she could spend those days with Anna and Levi without any issue. That year in particular Amber was very much looking forward to the break.

"She changed her colors again," Amber said in bed when Kevin joined her.

"What?"

"That one bride I told you about that. She's the one that wanted burgundy and gold, then changed her mind because those colors are too dark for spring so the colors changed to blush, lavender and yellow. Now I'm finding out the wedding's being postponed until December, so now she wanted white, red and gold."

"Is that a little….Christmassy?"

"I think that's the point," Amber said.

"Why the change in wedding date?"

"Something to do with the groom going on business and he can't get out of it. Something like that. I'd tried to convince her to go with the burgundy and gold one we'd made for her originally, but she said it fit a fall wedding more so than a winter wedding."

"And is she paying for all these redone candles?"

"Mom and I have a policy that the first redo is free," Amber said. "Generally, so long as there's no damage to the candle, we can always sell it off the shelf either for another bride or someone that just wants it. It's less money, but the candle still gets sold. The third time I told her we'd have to charge her a fee to redo the candle and she near threw a fit. She made her father come in the next day to 'have a talk with me' were her words. He came alone thank goodness and I was able to reason with him. He paid the fee but then he told me to pretend that he'd made me do it for free so his daughter wouldn't be upset. I just went along with it to keep her quiet. We got paid and she gets to feel good about herself, so I suppose everyone wins."

"Whatever works," Kevin shrugged. "I assume this means you're excited for our trip?"

"I can't wait," Amber smiled and snuggled up to Kevin's chest. "I already have a carrier to keep our candle safe in so we can light it. We'll light it on the beach together."

"That's not the only thing we'll do on that beach," Kevin grinned and gave Amber a kiss.

A few more weeks went by with little occurring from the end of the Korean War. Both sides were still at a stalemate and everyone's impatience with the matter was bubbling back up. All they could do was wait for something to happen. Eun Mi and JJ continued to write to one another. JJ assured he'd put in another request to return and was just waiting for the approval and the date. Eun Mi sent JJ care packages of foods he liked and had gotten in the habit since Christmas to send him chapssal-tteok at the end of every month as a little present. The only exception being earlier in April when she'd received a letter from JJ asking her to send him another because one of the other troops had eaten JJ's chapssal-tteok and apparently even getting into a fight with the culprit. Thankfully, JJ hadn't gotten into too much trouble for the incident, but he was still deprived of his present, so Eun Mi made more to send him.

"A little early for that isn't it?" Yon asked one morning when Eun Mi was in the kitchen early to make them.

"Someone ate them and JJ didn't get to have any," Eun Mi said.

"He'd better guard them carefully then," Yon smiled. "Any word on when he's coming back?"

"Not yet. He's still waiting for the approval."

"Soon I hope," Yon said. She helped Eun Mi wrap the last few balls of red bean paste with the sweet rice cake and helped her get them in their little carrier Eun Mi always used and she had it mailed out by the end of the day. The following day, Eun Mi's bunk was up before the sun to get started on making kimchi. She put a small batch aside so she could make some for JJ to send to him while still helping with the regular kimchi.

As Eun Mi was salting the cabbages and testing them for the correct texture, the smell of them was strangely alluring. It really wasn't anything she'd never smelled before, but that day the smell was irresistible and Eun Mi gave in, putting the leaf of cabbage in her mouth. It was so salty but the crunch was appealing and there was a flavor to the cabbage itself that was refreshing.

"Eun Mi," Yon's voice came and Eun Mi looked at her. "How's the cabbage?"

"It's the right texture," Eun Mi answered.

"Good. Everyone, start rinsing off the cabbage and we'll start the assembly line," Yon ordered.

Eun Mi got her portion of cabbage washed, putting some to the side for JJ that she would prepare later, and they started a line in which one two women would put the kimchi paste on the cabbage and one of them would press down after they were put in the ongi. The smell of the kimchi paste was just as irresistible to her as the leaf of cabbage. She simply couldn't help but tear off one leaf that has been covered in the paste and putting it in her mouth. Along with the crunch of the cabbage, there was a strong, spicy flavor from the gochukaru and a saltiness from the fish sauce. It coated her tongue pleasurably with spice and salt and the crunch of the cabbage and freshly cut veggies that were mixed into the paste like the green onion, carrot, radish and buchu. She'd made kimchi more times than she could count, but she'd never actually tasted the result of her hard work and it was amazing.

"Eun Mi," the woman next to her interrupted. "You can have some when we're done. We've got rice cooking already. Focus on getting these packed down."

"Sorry," Eun Mi said and got back to work. As promised, a portion was put aside so the ladies could have the fresh kimchi with some rice and some spam that had been pickled much the same way as kimchi for a few days. It was the first time Eun Mi had ever actually eaten with everyone and it was so strange. Usually she'd make an excuse that she needed to work on something for JJ and she'd avoid them seeing her not eat, but today she just had to join them.

"Slow down, there, Eun Mi," Yon said as Eun Mi started eating her sticky rice. "You're eating like you haven't eaten in years."

"Sorry, I'll slow down," Eun Mi said and did as Yon had told her.

After lunch, Eun Mi got to work on JJ's personal kimchi and the same thing happened: the smell of the paste was alluring and she had to taste. It was definitely a slightly different flavor. Rather than a fishy taste, the salt from the soy sauce kept the flavor a little more neutral but there was a distinct taste of shiitake mushroom from the broth she'd made from the dried mushrooms. There was no sour taste as the kimchi hadn't had time to sit and pickle so the crunch of the cabbage was still fresh tasting along with the nuttiness from the sesame oil. It was still very spicy just the way she knew JJ liked it and she could understand why. There was something oddly pleasurable about the burn on her tongue that accompanied all the flavors. By the time she'd finally gotten JJ's tiny ongi ready to send to him, her fingers were covered in the paste and she was licking it off her fingers. That night, she made dinner with the others like always, but her new tastes made her want to experiment and, when they made the sticky rice, she used sesame oil instead of vegetable oil when making the vinegar mixture for the rice and the result was nutty and tantalizing. While it was appreciated, it was not something they could make a habit of since they were low on sesame oil from making the kimchi.

The next morning, Eun Mi got through four Asian pears for breakfast. Their sweetness and soft yet simultaneously crisp texture were like nothing she'd ever tried and she simply couldn't get enough. Yon looked at Eun Mi strangely but had said nothing. She'd realized then that she'd never seen Eun Mi eat anything before, so she was happy to see the girl did in fact eat. That night they'd made Budae Jjigae filled to the brim with processed meat from the U.S. like hot dogs, spam and sausage as well as tofu, rice cakes, glass noodles, ramen noodles and anything else they could shove in the pot with a anchovy broth topped with the spicy sauce. Then to finish, it was topped with a slice of cheddar cheese. Easily the oddest thing Eun Mi had ever made and it had never appealed to her, but that day it did and it was the same as with everything else: it was like nothing she'd ever tasted before and couldn't seem to get enough. This went on for a few days and Yon continued not to say anything until, one morning midway through May, Yon noticed something while Eun Mi was getting changed. Then, at breakfast, Eun Mi had a giant bowl of sticky rice platted up for herself with an egg and two pears.

"Eun Mi, dear," Yon said, "you may want to slow down a bit."

"Slow down?" Eun Mi asked.

"Well, I hate to be so blunt but you've…well-"

"You're getting fat," one woman blurted out when Yon didn't.

"I wasn't going to put it so meanly but thank you for your contribution," Yon said sternly to the woman that spoke then turned her attention to Eun Mi who looked surprised and then horrified. "Now, don't fret too much. It's really only the slightly little roundness in your belly. Just try to watch what you're eating and that'll be gone in no time."

Embarrassed, Eun Mi just nodded and put aside her food having lost her appetite entirely. But then it was later in the day and she was hungry again. She made a great effort to not eat too much and did so for a few more days. Now that Yon had brought it up, Eun Mi could see the slightest bump forming on her belly and she couldn't believe she'd not noticed it. Then a few more days went by but the bump only seemed to get bigger.

"Eun Mi, dear," Yon said while they were all in the shower. She glanced down at the protrusion and suddenly something occurred to her. "Would you come here a moment?" Eun Mi did as asked and walked over to Yon who touched the protrusion. When she realized it was hard, she had her answer.

"What?" Eun Mi asked.

"I don't think you're gaining weight," she said though mostly to herself. "Try to see the doctor tomorrow morning if you can. Just ask him to do a physical. You need one anyway."

"I thought I wouldn't get a physical until before I had to leave for America," Eun Mi said.

"Maybe just have it a little sooner," Yon said and then she smiled at her. She didn't want to say anymore in case she was wrong, but she had a good feeling she knew what was going on.

The next day, Eun Mi went to the medical tent and requested a physical just as Yon had told her to. The doctor told Eun Mi to come back later that afternoon and someone would be available to see her. She returned in the afternoon and one of the nurses brought her to another room and performed the physical, drawing blood, taking her weight and checking her hair blood pressure.

"You're temperature is still rather high," the nurse, Carry, said. "You say it's always been like this?"

"Yes," Eun Mi nodded.

"And you've never felt ill?"

"No," Eun Mi said.

"Interesting," Carry mumbled and took note of her temperature. "You're blood pressure is healthy and everything else is fine." Carry glanced at Eun Mi's belly and smiled. "Congratulations by the way."

"Pardon?" Eun Mi asked.

"On the baby," Carry clarified but it seemed to only confuse Eun Mi more. "You mean to tell me you didn't notice this?" she pointed at Eun Mi's poking belly.

"Well…yes, but I thought I was gaining weight. The women I work with were saying I'm just getting fat. I tried controlling what I've been eating but it's just gotten bigger." Carry looked at Eun Mi strangely a moment before excusing herself and doing something with the blood she'd drawn from Eun Mi and the urine sample from earlier. Eun Mi waited a few minutes before Carry walked back over as she was writing something.

"For the record, Mrs. Dauer, you're not getting fat. I don't know why your coworkers would say that, but shame on them first of all. That being said; congratulations are in order. You're definitely pregnant. Confirmed per your blood and urine samples."

"I am?" Eun Mi asked, a little dumbfounded.

"Yes, ma'am," Carry said with a smile. "And based on the look of that bump, I'd say you're at least 12-14 weeks along. That's why I'm a little surprised you're only just now realizing you're pregnant."

"12-14? That can't be right. JJ was here the 25th of April to the 27th. I couldn't have gotten pregnant before then." Carry looked at her strangely again and then at the bump again.

"You mean to tell me you're already showing after 5 weeks?" Eun Mi didn't answer or make any gestures as Carry remained thoughtful. "Well, you are very petite. To my knowledge, a woman generally starts to show anywhere between 12-16 weeks, but that's referring to women that are in the 5 foot range. You're only 4'11" according to my measurements. So I suppose you showing this early isn't that strange. It's not enormous certainly, but it's bigger than I would usually expect." Then Carry giggled a little, "Poor thing. You'll look ready to pop by 23 weeks I'd imagine."

"How many weeks would I be pregnant?"

"An average healthy pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks," Carry said and Eun Mi went pale. "Now, now, don't let me worry you. The baby may very well just be tiny. So long as you go to full term, your baby will be perfectly healthy."

"Okay," Eun Mi mumbled but she was still a little shocked. "Is there a way I can go to the parallel? I need to speak with my husband."

"Out of the question," Carry said. "You're a civilian, so you aren't permitted to go there anyway, but given your condition, you're most certainly not authorized to go. It's dangerous and anything could happen that would jeopardize the baby. I would suggest writing a letter to let your husband know. He can put in a request to visit and the two of you can discuss whatever you need to discuss."

"But I want to tell him in person," Eun Mi insisted. "I don't want to tell him I'm pregnant over letter."

"In that case, what I would recommend is go to admin and see about getting him some time off. Explain the situation and maybe they'll be able to pull some strings to get him time off sooner."

"Would they do that?" Eun Mi asked.

"If you explain, I'm sure they can make it happen," Carry reassured. "I'd say you're very healthy; no illnesses that I can see but we'll be running a few more tests. I don't anticipate you needing to be quarantined before entry into the US but if that changes I'll let you know. And congratulations again Mrs. Dauer."

"Thank you," Eun Mi managed and got dressed to leave the medical tent.

She was still stunned as she walked out of the medical tent making her way to the admin building. She walked at a brisk pace that was nearly a crawl and she stared down at her belly with her hands over the hard bump. It really was barely noticeable unless she was naked. She knew this was something she would need to tell JJ about as soon as possible, but she was dreading it. They'd not planned for this to happen so soon but since it was, it would mean she'd have to go to America without him. The thought of it had her teary eyed already as she made her way to admin. She finally arrived and asked to speak with the commanding officer. She waited a few minutes before she was able to go to his office to speak with him and when she came in, he appeared to be looking over some things.

"Afternoon, Miss. I was told you wanted to speak with me."

"Yes, sir," Eun Mi bowed gently. "May I sit down, sir?"

"Of course; go right ahead," the officer said, gesturing toward the chair across from his desk. Eun Mi took the seat unconsciously keeping her hands over her belly the whole time. "What is it you needed?"

"It's about my husband. Private Jay Jacob Dauer," Eun Mi said.

"Dauer," the man said thoughtfully, trying to remember that particular soldier. "One second. Let me grab his paperwork. Can you spell the last name?"

"D-a-u-e-r," Eun Mi answered. The commanding officer checked the files and eventually found JJ's and then smirked a little.

"That's Corporal Dauer now," the officer said. "Young man got himself promoted not long ago. We just got the update yesterday. So anyway, what did you wish to discuss about your husband, Mrs. Dauer?"

"Well," Eun Mi said nervously, "It has just been brought to my attention that I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations, Mrs. Dauer," the officer said. "That's wonderful news."

"Thank you, sir," Eun Mi smiled gently. "The reason that I asked to meet with you was to try to obtain time off for my husband to return to the M.A.S.H as soon as possible so I can inform him."

"Mrs. Dauer," the officer said, sitting up a little straighter, "with all due respect, I could really only ensure he can return here that quickly if there's an emergency and, I reiterate: with all due respect, finding out your pregnant is not an emergency. It would be better to write him in order to make him aware of your pregnancy. Then, when we can give him time off next then you and he can speak further on the matter if it's needed." The officer proceeded to open one of the drawers of his desk to pull out a 7 page document that he presented to Eun Mi. "Once the baby is born – and I CANNOT stress this enough – you will need to fill out and submit this CRBA form to our US Embassy in order to establish the baby as an American citizen when born outside the United States."

"CRBA?"

"Consular Report of Birth Abroad," the officer clarified. "Once the baby's born, come back to me and I'll give you this form to fill out. So long as you submit this within a timely manner and since your husband is a citizen and you've obtained your green card, this shouldn't be a problem."

"Sir, that's the problem," Eun Mi spoke up. "We weren't planning to start a family until-"

"After the war; yes I know," the officer interrupted. "Trust me, Mrs. Dauer, you're not the first to fall pregnant sooner than anticipated. I've been to several bases throughout Japan and Korea, so you're not the first woman to fall for one of our boys. Depending on a man's time in the service, they'll often say they'll wait until he's returned from overseas or when the war is over, but babies have a way of coming when they please. Take it from someone who has two of his own."

"Officer," Eun Mi spoke up, "Please. The reason we weren't planning for children so soon is because JJ doesn't want his children born here. He wants them born back home where his family is and where our child will be raised. I can't have the baby here. I need to tell him as soon as possible so we can work out what we need to do."

"Then, Mrs. Dauer, writing to him really is your best option," the officer said. "I mean, I can put in a request to have him brought back as soon as possible, but unless it's an emergency it's not likely I'll be able to get him back here more than maybe a month sooner than he might have otherwise. According to our records, his last visit was in April so the soonest I could get him here is maybe August."

"August?!" Eun Mi blurted out louder than she'd intended. "Officer," Eun Mi said, "Please. I need to speak with him sooner. By that time, I might not even be fit to travel."

"Which is why I must recommend you write to him," the officer answered. "That will be the fastest way to notify him and he can extend to you what he wishes you to do."

Eun Mi was silent a moment and then sighed heavily, "May I go to the parallel to tell him?"

"Absolutely not," the officer said firmly. "Mrs. Dauer, I really do understand wanting to tell him in person. Really I do. But I can't let you go to the parallel, least of all in your condition. You're still a civilian and I can't let you go to a battle ground. I can guarantee you that Corporal Dauer wouldn't want you there pregnant or otherwise. It would compromise your safety and, more importantly, his child's safety."

"Just one day," Eun Mi begged. "Please just one day. That's all we need. Please just let him come back for one day, we'll work out what we need to and then he can go back."

"Mrs. Dauer," the officer started but Eun Mi interrupted.

"Please, sir," Eun Mi pleaded. "Just one day. That's all I ask. My being pregnant will mean I'm being sent to his home in Washington. After that, I won't see him for a very long time. I want to at least see him before I have to leave." The verbal reminder of their impending time apart had Eun Mi teary eyed again, but she kept her eyes on the officer. He sighed a little and pulled out another document.

"Alright, Mrs. Dauer," the officer said. "I'll see what I can do. I'll try to get him here in June. If I can't, I will send you notification at which point I will have to recommend the best thing to do would be to just write to him. How far along are you?"

"The nurse said about 5 weeks," Eun Mi said.

"Alright," the officer said. "I will try to get him here in June. But I can't guarantee it."

"I'll only ask that you try," Eun Mi said. "Thank you so much, officer. I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Dauer. I'll keep in touch," the officer said and dismissed Eun Mi.

She wondered briefly if she should have requested to call his family, but it occurred to her she didn't know the number anyway. She went to the kitchen after that and got straight to work without really saying a word to anyone. Yon was the one to come over to her moving her station so she was standing beside Eun Mi.

"So what did the doctor say?" Yon asked.

"I'm pregnant," Eun Mi said and Yon grinned.

"I should have figured that's what was going on," she said. "I'm sorry for my mistake the other day."

"It's alright," Eun Mi said. "I had to beg admin to try getting JJ back sooner so I can tell him."

"Wouldn't a letter be easier?" one woman asked.

"I'm not telling him over letter!" Eun Mi snapped and Yon stepped in telling the other woman to focus on her work and mind her business and then returned her attention to Eun Mi.

"So do you know when JJ will be able to come back?"

"The officer said he'd try to get JJ here for a day in June, but he said any later than that and I'd have to write. I don't want to tell him so impersonally though."

"I understand," Yon said. "But why the urgency?"

"Once JJ finds out I'm pregnant, he'll want me sent to America," Eun Mi said. "What little we have discussed about children; he's made it clear he doesn't want his child born here. He'll want the baby born in America."

"If he's worried about the baby being an American, all you have to do is apply for that CRBA form and turn it in to the embassy," one woman butted in. "It's really not a huge deal."

"It is to JJ and it is to me," Eun Mi said just before Yon scolded the woman for interrupting the conversation and telling her to keep focused on her own work. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Yon reassured. "I suppose this means you'll be leaving soon?" Yon said remorsefully.

"I suppose," Eun Mi said.

"Well, congratulations, Eun Mi. Good health to the baby and may there be many more to come," Yon said and got Eun Mi to smile after she'd pressed a little kiss to her cheek.

It had taken some convincing, or so the officer had informed Eun Mi, but two weeks after she'd made the request the officer confirmed that he'd gotten JJ time off in June but it would only be for the day and he'd have to return to the parallel the following morning. Eun Mi wasn't about to complain and thanked the officer for his help. Just as a special thank you, she made him red bean rice cakes and left them on his desk with a thank you card she'd made. Back at the parallel, JJ received the news that he had approval for a day off in June, but when he saw it was only for one day, he wasn't as thrilled.

"Sir," JJ said when he received the news, "Is there no way I can have three days? Or even just two?"

"Sorry, Corporal," the commanding officer said, "but that's the soonest we could give you and we had received word that your wife was rather adamant you return to the M.A.S.H. ASAP."

"Eun Mi did? Why? What's wrong?"

"I didn't get many details," he answered. "We received the order that you were approved for one day in June and it was due to Mrs. Dauer being insistent on you being sent back for a visit early."

"Is she hurt?"

"No, Corporal, otherwise we would have received word of it and we'd send you back for an emergency," the commanding officer said.

"Okay," JJ said. "Thank you, sir."

JJ left the commanding officer's tent and returned to his station. He waited for a letter from Eun Mi that might enlighten him as to what was going on, but he hadn't received anything and he kept getting antsy. Back at the M.A.S.H when it was the day JJ would be coming back, Eun Mi got a big meal prepared for him for when she told him the news. Since finding out she was pregnant, she kept a close eye on the progression of the little bump. It had grown a little bit but it was still hidden under her dress so Eun Mi hoped JJ wouldn't notice it before she had a chance to tell him. She woke up early to get JJ's food ready and once she was done, she brought it back to the bunk so they could have some privacy once he arrived.

"That's a nice display," Yon said as she was getting ready to leave. "You made this for Christmas didn't you?"

"Yes, I did," Eun Mi said. "I didn't make the drink, but this isn't the time."

"Nonsense," Eun Mi said. "I can see if we have any rice liquor stored away for him to drink I'll bring it. I think we're getting a fresh batch ready for 4th of July."

"No, that's alright," Eun Mi said. "But thank you for offering."

"Good luck," Yon smiled and patted Eun Mi's back.

Once Yon and all the others had left the bunk, Eun Mi sat on her bed with all the food she made displayed prettily for JJ once he got there. She waited there and was getting more and more nervous the longer she waited. She was so nervous in fact that she started to feel nauseated, so she left the bed to run to the bathrooms to vomit. Immediately after, she felt much better and went back to the bed after she washed out her mouth. She'd already gotten quite an earful of pregnancy from the ladies she worked with of what to expect, so she wasn't worried about it. She was still nervous, but at least she didn't feel sick anymore. Finally, the door to the bunk opened and JJ was there.

"Eun Mi," JJ said and went right to her. He saw all the food on her bed and noticed she didn't appear upset. "Is everything alright? They wouldn't tell me why but my officer told me you'd insisted on seeing me as soon as possible."

Eun Mi nodded and patted a spot next to her on the bed, "I made you all your favorites." JJ looked at her strangely but went to the bed where she'd told him to go.

"What's the occasion?"

"I have good news," Eun Mi said and encouraged him to take the bowl of rice.

"Did mom and Suerro finally get married or something?" JJ asked and finally started eating.

"No," Eun Mi said. "I would assume she'd write to you if they had. Aren't they waited for you to come home?"

"I don't know why," JJ groaned a little. "I already said I was fine with it. That's not going to change when I come home."

"She just wants her son there for the wedding," Eun Mi said. JJ shrugged a little and took a bit of his kimchi and some more rice.

"So what's the good news?" Eun Mi felt her heartbeat accelerate at the question and did her best to stay calm.

"I…um….I found out I'm pregnant." JJ stopped chewing and looked at her. She waited for him to say something and eventually he swallowed what he'd been eating.

"You're pregnant?"

Eun Mi nodded, "I found out in May but I didn't want to tell you over letter. I wanted to tell you in person. That's why I was so insisted about you getting some time off as soon as possible." Eun Mi scooted closer and lifted her dress so he could see her belly and show the forming roundness. "I know I conceived last you were here in April, so I'm not more than ten weeks but the nurse said I'm already showing as if I'm towards the end of my first trimester."

JJ seemed surprised as she assumed he would be. He put down his bowl of rice and put his hand on the bump that was forming. Using a pair of phantom hands, she kept her dress up so she could put her visible hands over his. Eun Mi waited for JJ to say something while he touched the bump watching his expression.

"Has the baby started kicking yet?" JJ asked.

"Not yet," Eun Mi said.

Then JJ got off the bed and went to his knees in front of Eun Mi. She watched him as he pressed his ear against her belly trying to listen, though for what Eun Mi wasn't sure. There was a long silence while JJ kept listening and she put her hands on his head as though to keep him where he was. She felt as though there were butterflies in her stomach that she hoped wasn't a precursor to getting sick again. Then JJ finally pulled away and he was smiling.

"I heard it's heartbeat," JJ said. "At least I think I did." His hand rubbed on her belly. "You certainly came sooner than we expected. And here I thought we were being careful."

"You're not upset I waited to tell you?"

"No," JJ said and looked up at her. "I'm grateful you waited to tell me in person." JJ rested his head against her belly again. His smile faded eventually as he pressed her cheek against her belly. "We'd better get my mom on the phone and let her know to expect you."

"Can it wait for a bit?" Eun Mi asked and she glanced at the food briefly so he knew what she was talking about.

"Sure," JJ smiled and got back on the bed. He lifted Eun Mi into his arms so he could get her sitting on his lap while he ate. Eun Mi grabbed a pair of chopsticks she'd been hiding and ate some with him. JJ smiled when she had some and kissed her briefly before returning to his food. "Have you been feeling okay? No morning sickness or anything?"

"It's not too bad," Eun Mi said. "It acts up when I smell fish sauce."

"Other than that, you've been feeling good?"

"Yeah," Eun Mi nodded. "I've been a bottomless pit for weeks. It's so strange actually eating the things I make."

"You are a really good cook," JJ said and kissed Eun Mi's cheek. He picked up one of the chapssal-tteok she'd made for him and held it near her. "Have you tried these?"

"Not yet," Eun Mi said. JJ kept it near her until she took a bite of the rice cake that was filled with a fig jam she'd made and some were filled with red bean. Once she'd had her bite, JJ finished it.

"What fruit is this?"

"It's a fig jam."

"That's what it is," JJ nodded. "I knew I recognized that taste. Last time I had figs I was in Italy for my uncle's wedding."

"They're started to be in season," Eun Mi said. She took one more and bit into it then gave JJ the other half. This one was red bean.

"I think I like the red bean a little more," JJ said.

"Me too." Once they were done eating, Eun Mi collected all the dishes and put them on her nightstand while staying in JJ's lap. "Did you want to go call your mother?"

"Not yet," JJ said and held Eun Mi a little closer. "I don't know when I'll see you again after this."

"I know," Eun Mi said with her head resting against his chest listening to his heartbeat. "I found out from admin that if we fill out some paperwork and turn it in to the embassy in a timely manner, our child will still be an American citizen."

"It's not about that," JJ said. "The baby has to be born in the family home or it's bad luck on the child. This isn't our home. I want our baby born with his family regardless of tradition."

"I know," Eun Mi said solemnly. "I just wish you could be with me through this."

"Me too," JJ answered and tucked his head against her chest wanting to be close to her. "I'm so sorry. I thought I was being careful."

"Don't be sorry," Eun Mi said and cradled his head. "I'm happy about the baby. I'll keep writing to you with updates about the baby and we'll send you a picture as soon as the baby's born."

"I just want to experience it with you," JJ said and put his hand on her belly again. The two of them rocked back and forth on the bed together for a moment. Eventually, JJ lifted his head so he could look at Eun Mi. "What should we name the baby?"

"I'd like to name the baby after my mother or grandpa. If it's a boy, I want to name him after you."

"Jay you mean?" Eun Mi nodded. "I want to name him after my dad. So Jae. J-a-e."

"I like that name," Eun Mi said. "What about a girl?"

"If it's a girl, I want to name her after you," JJ said.

"For a girl, I'll agree to Eun Mae," Eun Mi said. "She'll have my name and her grandpa's name. If it's a boy; Jae Sun. After your father and my mother."

"Jae Sun? You mean like Jason?"

"Is that a name that's common in America?"

"I don't know if it's common but…..no one's going to spell our kids' names right. You do know that right?"

"Will anyone know how to spell my name?" Eun Mi asked. "I would love to give all our children Korean names."

"We'll talk about it more when it's time for more kids," JJ chuckled. "I like Jae Sun and Eun Mae. I guarantee you if we have a boy he'll spend his whole life with everyone spelling his name J-a-s-o-n."

"He'll just have to correct them," Eun Mi said.

"I'm sorry, kid," JJ said to Eun Mi's belly and she giggled and swatted his shoulder. JJ gave Eun Mi another kiss and smiled at her. "Let's go ahead and call home."

Hand in hand, JJ and Eun Mi walked to the admin building to request a call home. Thankfully the commanding officer didn't take much convincing since he already knew more or less what was going on. Allowing the standard ten minutes, the officer left the office but left the door ajar. JJ dialed the number and the phone rang once before there was an answer.

"Dauer residence," Suerro's voice came on the other end.

"Suerro, it's JJ. Is mom available? I need to talk to her."

"I'll wake her. Just a minute," Suerro said and there was a silence on the line for a minute until JJ heard the phone being picked up.

"JJ?"

"Hey mom," JJ said. "How are you?"

"I'm alright. We all miss you. And the news isn't really very informative."

"Nothing's really happening at the parallel," JJ said. "Although all things considered, I'd rather be bored than shot at."

"JJ, please, that's not funny," Natalie sighed.

"I know, mom. I'm sorry," JJ said and then he looked at Eun Mi. "So mom, there's a particular reason I'm calling. I have good news."

"You're coming home?"

"No, not that good," JJ said. "But it's still good news. Eun Mi just told me she's pregnant. You're going to be a grandma."

"She's pregnant?" Natalie asked. "How long? You're sending her here right?"

"She's about 10 weeks or so," JJ said. "And yes, I want to send her to Washington. We'll be ironing out any remaining details and before she gets on a boat to the US."

"Do you know how long that will be?"

"I would think another month at most before she'd be leaving Korea," JJ said.

"How's she been feeling? Is she happy about the baby?"

"Yeah, she's happy," JJ said with a smile as he looked at Eun Mi and took her hand. "We're both really happy about it."

"That's good, JJ," Natalie said. "I'll make sure your uncle knows and he'll take good care of her."

"Thanks mom," JJ said and then he squeezed Eun Mi's hand a little tighter. "Take good care of her for me, okay mom?"

"We will, honey," Natalie said. "She'll be in good hands and when my grandchild's born, he or she will want for nothing even after daddy comes home."

JJ chuckled a little, "Thank you, mom."

"So have you and Eun Mi talked about names?"

"Yeah, we have," JJ said and looked at Eun Mi a moment. "We'll wait until the baby's born and then we'll tell you."

"Are they weird or something?"

JJ laughed, "I guess it depends on your definition of weird."

"That's not exactly comforting, honey," Natalie said.

"Don't worry, mom, they aren't weird. They're Korean, but they're not weird."

"Oh," Natalie said. "Well now I have to know."

"You'll find out later, mom."

"Dauer," the officer poked his head in, "fifteen minutes are up."

"Mom," JJ said, "I'd better get off the phone. I'll write to you as soon as I can once we know when Eun Mi is leaving Korea."

"Alright," Natalie said apprehensively, still concerned about the names. "I can always make Eun Mi tell me. I'll talk to you later JJ. And stay safe. I can't wait to meet her."

"You'll love her mom," JJ said. "I love you mom."

"I love you too, JJ," Natalie said and they disconnected. Natalie, after hanging up, sighed a little.

"So JJ and Eun Mi are having their first child already?" Suerro asked.

"Yeah," Natalie smiled and brushed away a small tear. "I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother." Suerro smiled and held her close as he rubbed her back.

"We'd better let everyone know and we need to celebrate." Natalie nodded at Suerro's suggestion and continued to cry happy tears. Back in Korea after JJ hung up the phone, Eun Mi smiled at him.

"I take it your mother's happy?"

"She's thrilled," JJ answered. "She can't wait to see you."

The Staff Sergeant returned into the office and, since they were there, they all went over what the options were for Eun Mi going to Washington and what that process would entail. It would start with Eun Mi taking a train to Pusan where they had their ports and from there she'd get on a boat and dock first in Hawaii for layover and then she'd be able to take a boat to California. Then she'd get on another train and that train would take her to Washington. With absolutely nothing causing a delay, it would be a two week trip at best and the soonest she could leave would be in July. So they made all the arrangements with the officer and set the date for Eun Mi to leave for Pusan. JJ asked if he could be there to see her off but the officer could only promise he'd see what he could do. Once they'd finished setting up everything they needed to, it was afternoon and they walked away from the admin building holding hands.

"Are you excited to go to Washington?" JJ asked.

"I'm more nervous," Eun Mi said. "I wish you could come with me."

"Me too," JJ said and kissed her hand. "Will you write to me once you get there?"

"I will," Eun Mi nodded. "I promise." JJ stopped walking and leaned down to take Eun Mi in his arms to hug her tightly.

"I'm going to miss you," JJ said.

"I'll miss you too," Eun Mi said with a whimper as she held her arms around his neck. They shared a kiss for just a moment and then JJ rested his forehead against Eun Mi's and smiled.

"Don't cry. This won't be the last time you see me. I'll make sure of it," JJ smiled and kissed her one more time. "Now let's go back to the bunk and see if anyone's there."

JJ put Eun Mi back down on her feet and led her back to the bunk she slept at hoping no one was there. There was indeed no one, but to be sure they'd remain uninterrupted, JJ led her to the showers in the back and made love to her one last time before he had to say goodbye for now. Back in Washington when it was July, Kevin made all the necessary arrangements with the law firm and obtained their tickets. They would leave the fifteenth ensuring they arrived in California by that Friday the 17th. Then they'd have their anniversary to do whatever they wanted. Then they'd take the train back that Sunday. It would be a brief departure for them, but they were happy to have the time together. Amber gently packed their candle and they took the train to California just the two of them. A few days later, they arrived in LA and Kevin rented a car and drove them to the beach house then carried their luggage inside. Thankfully there wasn't much.

"I never get tired of that view," Amber smiled as she stared out the windows onto their patio that looked out on the water. "Tomorrow, let's light the candle on the patio right after the sun sets."

"Sounds romantic," Kevin smiled and, having put their luggage down, walked up behind Amber and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Maybe we'll even put some blankets out there. Spend the night staring out at the ocean."

"Kevin, it'll get cold," Amber said.

"I'll keep you warm," Kevin said and started kissing her neck. They didn't speak much again after that for the better part of a half hour. Seeing as they were truly and completely alone in the house, they thought nothing of making love right against the island in their kitchen.

Kevin did of course call David and Carol to let them know they were in town, but only until Sunday, so they all agreed to go out for dinner that night to catch up. They ended up meeting them again the following morning for coffee at a café to spend a little more visiting time, but after their coffee date, Kevin and Amber returned to the beach house with no intention of leaving or being disturbed unless there was an emergency or the house caught fire. Amber made Kevin a special anniversary dinner and a glass of brandy and they enjoyed it right outside on the patio watching the sun go down. Their candle and tappers were on a table on their balcony ready for them when they were ready. When Kevin finished eating, Amber took all the dishes inside to be cleaned later and then brought the two of them walked upstairs to their bedroom and went out onto their balcony sitting on their chairs with the candle and tappers on the table between them. The sun hadn't set quite yet but they continued to wait while holding hands and staring onto the horizon.

"35 years," Kevin said and looked at Amber with a loving smile. "35 years ago today, we first met."

"I barely remember that day specifically," Amber said. "I remember hiding in the closet and attacking you when I heard you because I was scared." Amber smiled at him. "Then I remember seeing green and I felt better instantly."

"Did you?" Kevin asked.

"I did," Amber said. "I remember drinking someone's blood and then going right to sleep and then I remember someone taking me away from you. I didn't like that."

"I remember. I could hear you crying even after Mrs. Lavoie closed the door behind her. Was she good to you when you were with her?"

"She was very kind to me," Amber said. "I can't say I cared much for Mr. Lavoie, but thinking back on it I can't say I blame him. I liked it better when mom and daddy adopted me."

"They really wanted you," Kevin said. "It hurt so bad to let you go back then but they made you happy. They were what you needed." Kevin kissed Amber's hand. "Of course, more importantly, three years ago today we finally got married."

"It went by in a blink," Amber smiled and kissed Kevin's hand in return.

"In a blink of an eye?" Kevin asked with a chuckle.

"You know what I mean," Amber answered and then looked back out at the horizon. It was almost completely nighttime.

"So what do you say about getting to work on that second child?" Kevin teased.

"Not yet," Amber gently shook her head. "Later."

"Okay," Kevin chuckled.

"Is Heather so easy a responsibility that you're eager for another challenge?" Amber joked.

"No, Heather's a handful in her own right," Kevin said. "I just think it would be fun to try for a boy."

"Relax, Kevin, we'll have a son," Amber said. "Just give me a little more time."

"Take all the time you need," Kevin said.

"Sure," Amber said sarcastically making Kevin chuckle. They kept holding hands while they watched the last of the sun fade. When the moon was completely visible and the stars were bright in the sky, Kevin grabbed some matches to light the tapers. Amber took one taper, Kevin took the other, and they brought the flame to the wick on their unity candle and lit it together marking their 3rd anniversary. They blew out the fire on the tapers leaving their unity candle lit.

"Happy 3rd Anniversary," Kevin smiled.

"Happy 3rd Anniversary," Amber answered with the same smile. They blew out the fire on the tapers and left the flame going on their unity candle. They could leave it for an hour before Amber would want to blow it out. But at the moment, they were more interested in one another.

Kevin got up from his chair and walked around so he could take Amber into his arms and lift her out of her own chair. He was about to lay her down on the floor when something mixed with the sound of the waves splashing in the background. One of their neighbors, their windows or door open, started playing their radio and from that radio came the voice of Nat King Cole singing Mona Lisa. Kevin smiled at her and, instead of putting her down, started swaying from side to side along to the slow song. Amber smiled back and followed along with him to the music. It wasn't a very long song at all, so once it was over, there was a brief intermission from the ratio host before How Much is that Doggie in the Window came on. Kevin was about to stop dancing, but Amber encouraged him to keep going and, with a chuckle, Kevin continued to sway with her.

"I'm not a 'dog', Amber," Kevin said. Amber just giggled and went on her tiptoes so she could kiss his nose. "I'm not for sale either."

"Of course not," Amber smiled. "You already have a good home. And I know you'll scare any robber away with one bark." Kevin chuckled a little, but there was a hint of romance to what she'd said despite the silliness of the song.

Kevin pressed his lips to hers and they stopped swaying side to side and focused entirely on kissing one another. Their neighbor's radio continued playing in the background along with the sound of the wind and the water hitting the shore. Even when the music playing wasn't especially romantic, everything else was. Then Kevin finally laid Amber on the floor of the balcony as he'd originally intended to. Amber held onto him tightly until she was laid down and then she trailed her hands between them as the kissed so she could start unbuttoning his shirt. Kevin did the same thing to Amber's dress, reaching behind her to pull down the zipper and then pulling the dress off her before she'd gotten his shirt fully undone.

Their unity candle continued to flicker as they continued removing one another's clothes as they kissed each other. By the time Amber had pushed Kevin's dress shirt off his shoulders and started undoing his belt, Kevin had already pulled off Amber's dress, bra and panties. She'd undone his belt buckle and kept a hold on it while Kevin started kissing down her body. By the time he'd reached her breasts, she'd pulled the belt from its loops and tossed it to the side. He massaged her breasts with both hands and kissed her right breast tenderly as he did so until he finally took her nipple into his mouth. Amber moaned and then lifted her knees until her toes were pointed against the floor like a ballerina. She brought her hands into his hair and massaged his scalp while he swirled his tongue around her nipple before sucking until she whimpered. Then he kissed his way to her left and kissed the elevated flesh of her breast until he reached her nipple again.

While Kevin was attending her breasts, Amber arched her back so she was pressing her chest against him as he sucked on her nipples. She also kept moving her hips under him as she felt that familiar heat start to rise within her. Eventually Kevin pulled away from her breasts so he could start a heated trail of kisses down her midriff until he finally went to her core. She'd become so used to him doing this to her. So much so that whenever he started kissing his way down, she was already whimpering in anticipation for what he would do. Yet it never got old. He licked the folds of her entrance until he was at her clitoris. He very gently nipped it just enough to make it feel good and then swirled his tongue over and around her sensitive nub. Amber moaned and dug her fingers through his hair scratching at his scalp and biting her lip between her sighs.

Kevin kept licking and sucking until he finally brought her to her climax. She cried out from her orgasm and tugged on Kevin's hair so he would come back up to her. He kissed his way back up her body until he finally reached her lips so they could kiss passionately before he slipped inside her. Amber whimpered through the kiss and wrapped her arms around Kevin's neck as he immediately started setting a pace. Soon they had to break their kiss so they could breath as Kevin moved. Their neighbor's radio continued playing in the background but they'd long since stopped paying attention to it. For a moment they continued that way. Amber started to feel the pleasure build all over again and she dragged her nails over Kevin's chest when he lifted himself onto his elbows for more control. It didn't last long however.

When Amber's hands were on Kevin's chest, she pushed him onto his back suddenly and mounted him in the same breath to take over. Since she was on top, Kevin grabbed a hold of Amber's hips and guided her along while she went up and down on him over and over again. Amber kept her hands on Kevin's chest to keep herself upright and make moving easier. She started slow but when the pleasure at her core continued to build she started to move faster and faster. Her breasts bounced with her and Kevin took his hands away from Amber's hips and instead put them on her breasts instead. Since his hands were holding her up, Amber covered Kevin's hands with her own before moving even faster. He could feel her start to tremble and shiver as she came closer and closer to her release. Kevin took his right hand off Amber's breast down between them to start massaging her clitoris. Amber tossed her head back with a moan and kept going until she finally achieved her orgasm.

She immediately slowed down but Kevin brought his hands back to her hips to guide them back and forth to prolong the sensation for her. Before long, Amber laid down on Kevin's chest and he took over again. He gripped her hips and moved them up and down on him. Amber moved as his hands guided her to and she wrapped her arms around his neck again savoring the left over pleasure from her orgasm. Soon Kevin reached his own climax and the grip he hand on her hips went impossibly tighter from the feeling. His touch only softened at last several seconds later when Kevin's climax had calmed down. They both moaned a little and Kevin kissed Amber's head. Kevin glanced up at their candle and it was still alight.

"Should we put out the candle?" Kevin asked.

"A few more minutes," Amber sighed about ready to fall asleep in Kevin's arms. After a little while, Kevin was getting cold, so he lifted Amber in his arms, blew out the light to their unity candle and breathed in the smoke from it for good luck before bringing her inside their bedroom and rested her under the covers of their bed. Then he slipped into bed beside her and took her into his arms to start kissing her neck tenderly.

"Happy Anniversary," Kevin whispered in her ear and kissed her ear.

Amber trembled and moaned, "Happy Anniversary."

Amber turned her head so they could share another tender kiss before falling asleep together with the doors to their balcony wide open so that when they woke up the next morning, it was to the sound of the waves in the distance and the sunshine coming in. The only sour part of the morning was having to wake up and pack so they could catch the train back to Washington.

Around the same time in Korea, after JJ had to return to the parallel Eun Mi focused largely on making any arrangements that she needed to with the administrative office so she could get on a boat to America. Once he knew when Eun Mi was leaving Korea, JJ wrote his mom a letter hoping it would be received in time, but for good measure admin sent a notification to JJ's family as well. She was scheduled to leave July 18th and the day before, Eun Mi worked in the kitchen so she could say goodbye to everyone. Yon was very supportive and even gave her a large linen lined box that held some Ongi, dried mushrooms, gochukaru, a large bag of rice and some other essentials that she would need when she arrived. By the end of the shift, Terry surprised Eun Mi and gave her a big hug before wishing her good night.

"Are you excited?" Yon asked Eun Mi.

"I'm not sure excited is the word," Eun Mi admitted. "Scared is more appropriate. I just wish I wasn't going without JJ."

"You mark my words, JJ will be just fine," Yon promised and gently brushed Eun Mi's cheek. "You focus on keeping his baby healthy," she said as she then petted Eun Mi's growing belly. She was still within her first trimester but she looked as though she was starting her second. Regardless, the nurses and doctor said the baby was doing well and that there was nothing to worry about. In fact they joked that by the time the baby was born he or she would be bigger than Eun Mi.

"I'm nervous to meet his family," Eun Mi finally said.

"Don't be," Yon reassured. "They will love you. Don't let yourself get too worked up. It's not good for the baby. You just focus on staying relaxed and just be yourself when you meet his relatives. You'll do just fine."

"Thank you, Yon," Eun Mi smiled gently.

"You're welcome, dear," Yon said and pressed a little kiss to Eun Mi's forehead. "Now in bed. You have a train to catch tomorrow."

Eun Mi nodded with less enthusiasm. She got into bed but pulled out JJ's picture that she kept in her pocket. It was the only thing of hers that wasn't packed. She started at the picture and got a little teary eyed as she realized she didn't know when she would see him again and the thought was crushing. She wish she didn't have to leave. Were it not for the baby, she wouldn't, but she would. It meant a lot to JJ for the baby to be born in Washington and she didn't want to deprive him of that just because she would miss him.

The next morning, Eun Mi was up early with everyone else and, with some help from Yon and, eventually, Terry, she got all her things to the admin office so they could get everything in a car for her. Once everything was secured in the jeep, Eun Mi said her goodbyes to Yon and Terry. She realized Yon was crying and it made Eun Mi start crying to. While Yon brushed her tears away, Terry took his turn giving Eun Mi a hug and wished her luck. "If you're ever in Alabama after this war is over," Terry said, "you and JJ look me up and we'll visit, alright?"

Eun Mi nodded and agreement to the sentiment but it made her cry a little harder. Eventually they had to part ways and Eun Mi got in the car but not without looking out the window at them both and waving goodbye until she could no longer see them. Then they made it to the train station and the officer that had driven her helped Eun Mi and the conductor get her things on the train. She started at the train a moment while they were getting that done. By the afternoon, she'd be at the Port of Pusan and she'd be boarding a ship. She started feeling sick to her stomach, though she wasn't so sure it wasn't the baby doing that more so than her nerves.

"Eun Mi," JJ's voice came and Eun Mi turned around in an instant to see him standing there with a sad smile.

"JJ?" Eun Mi said but she was already approaching him and was in his arms right away. "I thought you couldn't come," she said through her tears.

"I begged," JJ smiled and lifted her so she was at his level. He felt the little bump against his stomach and glanced down at it briefly before looking at Eun Mi again. "How's the baby been? How are you feeling?"

"The baby's doing good," Eun Mi smiled. "I look further along than I really am. The nurse and doctor keep joking by the time the baby's born it'll be bigger than me."

"I'm sure it won't be that drastic," JJ smiled and kissed her a moment. While they kissed, there was a tiny kick and JJ felt it, pulling away. "Was that the baby?"

"Yes," Eun Mi nodded eagerly and used her phantom hands to support herself so she could grab one of JJ's hands and plant it on her belly. JJ kept one arm wrapped around her while he touched and waited. Then another little kick came and JJ smiled.

"It's so much softer than I thought it would be," JJ said.

"It's still early," Eun Mi said. "I'm told the further along I am, but harder the baby is likely to kick. The baby just needs to start strengthening their muscles first."

"Wow," JJ said mostly to himself and started rubbing her belly hoping the baby might kick again. He could have touched her belly for hours, but it wasn't long before they were interrupted.

"Mrs. Dauer, your things are on the train, so you'd better get on. The train leaves in 10 minutes," the officer that drove Eun Mi there said and stepped back to the jeep to give Eun Mi and JJ time alone.

"On the bright side, I never get tired of hearing that title," Eun Mi said, trying to be light hearted. JJ finally put her down with great reluctance. "I'll write to you as soon as I arrive."

"I'll wait to hear from you," JJ smiled gently. Then he took out his army knife and took out the blade, taking it to the second button from his uniform and giving it to Eun Mi. "I still have your button in my pocket. I want you to have mine." Eun Mi accepted the button and smiled up at him teary eyed.

JJ leaned down and gave her a tender kiss that lasted longer than it perhaps should have. They pulled away when a warning bell was rung to inform people they needed to get on the train. JJ touched her belly one more time and managed to catch one more kick from the baby which made him smile. He kissed Eun Mi one more time.

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Eun Mi whimpered. "I love you. 사랑해요."

"Relax, Eun Mi. It's not a contest," JJ teased and made her giggle. "I love you too." He kissed her one more time and, finally, let her go so she could board the train. She put JJ's button in her pocket, making sure she did so within JJ's view so he could see. Then she got on the train and followed one of the employees to her cabin that held her things.

She poked her head out the window so she could look at JJ. He smiled at her and approached the train so he could hold her hand for a moment until an employee made him step back from the train so it could leave. When the train started to move, they waved goodbye to each other and she kept her head out until she couldn't see JJ anymore just as she'd done for Yon and Terry earlier. Once she couldn't see him anymore, she started to cry a little more. She tried not to let herself get too upset and didn't let herself entertain the possibility that she might not see him again. She wouldn't let her mind wander to the possibility. Instead, she tried to picture the two of them sitting together looking out on an ocean with a little baby in her arms. That was a comforting thought.

She'd reached the Port at Pusan by the late afternoon and asked around until she found the base at Pusan. She showed them her papers and they helped get her set up at an inn near the port so she could board in the morning once the ship arrived. She had such a hard time falling asleep that night and was exhausted when she had to get out of bed to board the boat. She received plenty of help with all her luggage. She needed only put her hands on her belly revealing she was clearly pregnant and people swarmed to help her. She could get used to such helpfulness. She barely had to left a finger, visible or otherwise, to carry her luggage into the boat to her cabin once she'd presented her tickets, passport and green card. The cabin was cramped and slightly uncomfortable and she was sharing it with three other female passengers, only two of which were Korean. The other two were Americans. She became the center of attention briefly when they saw her pregnant belly but eventually returned to their own business once they were satisfied with the answers. The ship finally disembarked several hours later after she'd gotten on and it took five days to reach Hawaii where they stopped.

They were all given the option to disembark since they would be laying over in Hawaii until the following day. Wanting to stretch her legs at least for the day, Eun Mi got off the boat and onto shore. Even on the docks the scenery was like nothing she'd ever seen. There were palm trees and so many colors everywhere from all the flowers. The water was such a clear blue that she hadn't thought was possible and she could even see fishes swimming in the water. The sun was so warm against her skin, so she started walking towards the beaches though making sure she didn't go too far. When she found a spot that was particularly pleasant, Eun Mi sat in the sand, using her ghostly hands to help her get down as comfortably as possible, and just enjoyed the view. She almost didn't go back to the boat, but when she started getting hungry, she returned to the ship hoping to get some dinner and some sleep.

In another two days after the ship left Hawaii, they reached California where Eun Mi presented her papers once again and underwent another health inspection and a check up for the baby. She had to undergo more testing than others when they took her temperature. She swore it was normal as she'd told them many times before, but the doctors performed every test they could within reason to make sure she was actually healthy. But no matter the test they performed, she was healthy and the baby was healthy, so the finally let her get on a train to Washington. The health inspection had put her back a few days she knew, but JJ had given her the number to his mother's house so she was able to call her and let her know when she was on her way by train.

When she was on the train, she started to feel anxious again. It was only when she was on the train that she found a paper so she picked it up to read it. Front page news was the announcement that the Korean War was over as of July 27th, 1953. According to the paper, the two countries came to a truce after the extended stale mate and after neither country being able to take back any ground. The paper spoke of plans for further negotiations with the hope of reunifying the Koreas so they could return to one country. She considered it abundantly unlikely. If she remembered her superiors, they wouldn't agree to reunification unless South Korea were to become a communist nation just like the north. And with South Korea allied to the United States that seemed equally unlikely. However the news of the end of the war brought her joy all the same. She gently tore that story and headline out of the paper and tucked it away in her suitcase.

Two days later, Eun Mi finally arrived at the train station in Seattle, Washington. When she got off the train, one of the attendants helped her with all her luggage. He offered to lend her some money for a phone, but it turned out not to be needed. There was a small group of people collected that appeared to be looking through the crowd for someone and when they looked at Eun Mi, one of the women started walking over. Eun Mi couldn't believe how tall this woman was and she had such long black hair that was braided and wrapped up in a bun against her head and she wore a sundress and coat. Eun Mi stood still as the woman approached her with a big smile.

"Eun Mi?" the woman asked and Eun Mi recognized her voice immediately.

"Are you Mrs. Dauer? JJ's mother?"

"Please, Natalie is fine," she smiled, "and yes, I'm JJ's mother." Eun Mi prepared to bow her head in respect, but Natalie stopped her. "Stop, stop. No need to be so formal. Come give me a hug." Eun Mi stood up in time for Natalie to tower over her just before taking her in her arms for a big hug. "It's so good to finally meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Eun Mi answered and Natalie let go of her. She glanced at Eun Mi's belly hidden slightly under her dress but becoming easier and easier to see.

"May I?" Natalie asked, hovering her hand near Eun Mi's belly. Eun Mi nodded so Natalie put her hand on Eun Mi's belly. She felt around for a moment, but the baby didn't move much. She smiled regardless. "JJ said you looked further along than you actually are."

"I conceived end of April," Eun Mi said.

"Oh, wow, so you're still only in your first trimester," Natalie said. "JJ told you his uncle Kyle is a doctor right?" Eun Mi nodded. "Okay, good. I'm sure the last thing you want is to be examined, so when we return home, you can relax and meet everyone."

"Speaking of," a man approached and he was bigger than JJ making Eun Mi extremely nervous and instinctively step back. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm Embry. Jr." he clarified. "I'm one of JJ's many, many uncles. Don't worry if you don't remember all our names at first. You'll get used to all of us I promise."

"We'll make a family tree for you," a second man came forward that wasn't nearly so large and intimidating, but he was a little taller than Natalie.

"Are you one of JJ's uncles?" Eun Mi asked.

"No," he chuckled a little, "no, I'm Suerro. I'm Natalie's fiancé."

"Oh," Eun Mi said. "So you're Suerro."

"I take it JJ told you about me?"

"A little," Eun Mi said politely. "I admit he rarely speaks of you so I don't know much about you, but I look forward to getting to know you." For emphasis, Eun Mi bowed respectfully.

"I promise I'm not that bad," Suerro said lightheartedly. "Embry and I will take your luggage and walk to the car. I'm sure you just want to relax."

"I would love nothing more," Eun Mi agreed.

Suerro and Embry took all of Eun Mi's things while she and Natalie walked side by side getting more acquainted. Naturally Natalie was thrilled with the news that the war was declared over. Now all that was left was for JJ to come home, but she'd not received any word from him yet. It took a few hours, but they finally reached Forks and drove up to a General Store that Eun Mi assumed was the one JJ had worked at. After they were parked, Natalie got out and walked around the car to help Eun Mi out.

"We're just stopped here for a bit," Natalie said. "You have to meet Hailey."

"I've heard so much about him," Eun Mi smiled.

"Well, my goodness," a woman's voice came and she approached the group, "you must be the infamous new Mrs. Dauer we've all been hearing so much about."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Taylor," Natalie said to the woman with a smile. "Eun Mi, this is Mrs. Ethel Taylor. Mrs. Taylor, this is my daughter-in-law Eun Mi Dauer. She and my son are expecting their first child."

"Are you?" she asked. "Oh that's wonderful. I see that baby's already getting very big. May I?" Eun Mi didn't have much of a chance to accept or decline before Mrs. Taylor put her hands on Eun Mi's belly to feel.

Moments later, it seemed everyone in town had noticed Eun Mi and were eager to meet her. She remained polite but felt overwhelmed already by all the people that were approaching her as though they were already friends. Natalie rescued her eventually and helped her inside the General Store where there were two men inside. One of whom looked at lot like JJ but not exactly.

"Hey, mom," the youngest one said. "So this is Eun Mi?"

"Eun Mi," Natalie said, "this is my son and JJ's little brother Salem. And this is Hailey Dauer. My son and late husband always called him Uncle Hailey."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Dauer," Hailey smiled pleasantly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Eun Mi said with another respectful bow. "JJ speaks very kindly of you. They way he did, you seem like a second father."

"I do what I can," Hailey said. Eun Mi finally noticed the picture on the counter.

"You keep a wedding picture on the counter?"

"Yes, well, stories began to surface when you came along. I would tell people that JJ had met someone and the floodgates for speculation had opened. When you live in a small town, everyone is a busybody. So I have one of your wedding photos here in the shop."

"Do they know…." Eun Mi started but didn't finish.

"That you're pregnant?" Hailey asked.

"Well they do now," Natalie smiled, "but I think she's asking if anything knows where in particular she's from in Korea."

"Ah," Hailey said, "I haven't said anything and no one has asked. They only knew you're Korean. May be best to keep it that way." Eun Mi nodded in agreement and then looked to her right back at Salem.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Eun Mi said and bowed again.

"Dear God, you're shorter than I imagined," Salem chuckled and approached her. He was the same height as JJ but he towered over her just the same. Then he leaned down and gave her a hug. "Welcome to the family, Eun Mi. We were all really happy to find out JJ had met you. I finally have my brother back."

"He makes me happy too," Eun Mi smiled. "As to my height," she began and, since it was just family there, she used her ghostly hands to lift herself up so she was at Salem's level and she overheard Hailey yell 'what in sweet fuck?!' and several others including Salem backed away, "I assure you that has never been an issue."

"I can see that," Salem said, partially in humor and partially from freight. "I know you had a gift, but I never did understand what it was."

"Eun Mi," Natalie finally said and gently pulled her arm, "get back down before someone comes in. Once you're home, you can do that all you want, but when you're in town you have to be discerning."

"Sorry," Eun Mi said and got back on her feet.

"So….how does your gift work exactly?" Salem asked.

"I have ten extra hands," Eun Mi said. "You just can't see them."

"You must be a champion at multitasking," Salem chuckled. "That'll come in handy with a kid."

"I'm counting on it," Eun Mi joked.

"Christ you people are weird," Hailey muttered to himself once he regained his composure. "I don't know why you're all so insistent I be secretive. Even if I tried to tell people all the shit I've seen, they'd never believe a damned word I say."

"Better safe than sorry, Uncle Hailey," Salem said. "So anyway, what's my niece or nephew's name?"

"Jae Sun for a boy's, Eun Mae for a girl," Eun Mi said.

"So if it's a boy, it's a normal name? Going oriental there for a girl I see," Salem said and, using a ghostly hand, Eun Mi slapped him. "Ow! What was that for?"

"I'm not 'Oriental'. I'm Korean," Eun Mi said.

"I didn't say you were Oriental; I said the girl's name was."

"The names are Korean," Eun Mi insisted.

"Jason's Korean?"

"J-A-E S-U-N. After your father and my mother," Eun Mi said.

"Oh," Salem said. "You realize no one's going to spell this kid's name correctly, right?"

"They can learn," Eun Mi said.

"You're stubborn as JJ; that's for sure," Salem muttered.

"Okay, that's enough," Natalie sighed. "Hailey, is Leah back home or at the tribe?"

"She was at the house when I went for lunch today. She didn't say she was going to the tribe today."

"Okay, we'll drop by there for a while," Natalie said. "Suerro, can you and Embry get her things to the house and we'll catch up?"

"Sure," Suerro answered they went outside to get Eun Mi's things back to the tribe.

"Shall we?" Natalie said to Eun Mi who nodded. "Are you going on patrol tonight Salem?"

"I was planning to," he answered.

"If I don't see you before you go tonight then I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

"Alright, I'll see you later mom. It was nice to meet you, Eun Mi."

"It was nice to meet you too," Eun Mi smiled and followed Natalie out of the General Store and to Hailey's and Leah's house. Thankfully when they arrived and knocked, Leah was home and answered the door.

"Natalie!" Leah said with a smile and hugged Natalie. "This is a pleasant surprise." Then she looked at Eun Mi with the same smile. "You're Eun Mi? JJ's wife?"

"Yes," Eun Mi said and bowed.

"Oh, stop it. You don't need to be so formal. Come here," Leah said and gave her a sudden hug. When Leah released her and brought all of them back inside and made her and Natalie some coffee and Eun Mi some tea.

What had been intended to be a brief visit turned into staying with Leah the whole afternoon talking until Hailey returned home. Then Eun Mi brought up poker to Hailey while Leah was making dinner and that ended up with Eun Mi and Hailey engaged in a poker game. He was an extremely difficult opponent but she did manage to win three rounds against him. They stayed for dinner and didn't leave until it was late in the evening. By the time they made it back to the tribe everyone was already at home getting ready for bed and those that weren't were on patrol. Natalie parked the car outside a house near the coast but when Eun Mi approached it, Natalie stopped her.

"Oh, no, Eun Mi, that's my house," Natalie said. "Yours and JJ's home it further in the woods. You'll be neighbors with his Uncle Embry."

"I thought JJ had lived with you," Eun Mi said.

"He did when he left," Natalie said and took Eun Mi's arm gently so she could lead her into the woods. After a short walk, they approached a house that looked made almost entirely out of brick. The brick was a grey color and the shingles of the roof matched the wood the porch was made from. It was a huge cabin with a big double door at the front. When they stepped onto the porch, a little blue bird perched on to railings tweeting incessantly until Eun Mi finally looked at the bird. "That's Blu," Natalie said.

"Pardon?" Eun Mi asked.

"Blu," Natalie said. "That's what my daughter named him. He's been a frequent visitor for years now." The bird stared at Eun Mi with an intensity she hadn't thought a bird capable of. He tilted his head a few times, tweeted, and then flew away. "Eun Mi," Natalie said, "Let me show you to yours and JJ's new room. I'll bet you're ready to go to sleep."

"Yeah," Eun Mi nodded awkwardly before finally following Natalie inside.

The inside was almost entirely made of wood. The wood floors were polished and shiny and the furniture was also made from wood. The couch in the family room had ivory cushions with green pillows, the rug was also ivory with green and yellow accents, and the curtains over the window were ivory. The fireplace in the living room was the same brick as was outside and already had wood in it ready to be set ablaze. Above the fire place were a picture of Jae and JJ when JJ was a little boy, a picture of Jae when he'd been deployed, a frame with a medal of honor and purple heart, JJ's deployment picture and in the center of it all was a picture from their wedding day. The kitchen had the same feel and had an island lined with brick. It was the only thing that separated the kitchen from the dining room and there was a staircase past the living room that led to an upstairs.

"We made sure you have a basement," Natalie said. "There's not much down there right now. Just a desk with a few of JJ's clock tinkering tools. There's a patio by the kitchen that has more dining furniture. JJ loved drinking his coffee outside on weekends. Come. I'll show you the upstairs."

Eun Mi followed Natalie up the stairs that turned out to be very spacious. There were several doors that Natalie walked her through, starting by pointing out and opening the linen closet, a guest bedroom beside it, a guest bathroom, another guest bedroom, and then across the hall to another room.

"This is going to be my grandchild's room," Natalie said proudly before opening the door to show a nursery with white and yellow and a dark wooded crib already filled with soft stuffed animals and wooden carved toys. There was more wood but a large rug covered it and it was soft under Eun Mi's toes when she stepped inside. "We can adjust the colors for a boy or girl once the baby's born. This is just to make sure the baby has a room of his or her own right away."

"It's wonderful," Eun Mi said and looked around the room. She went to the crib first. It was a little tall, but Natalie showed her a little latch that Jacob had built into the crib to make sure Eun Mi could lower it to reach in for the baby. The rocking chair was made from the same dark wood. "Your father made all the furniture?"

"In the entire house," Natalie said proudly. "Daddy's an expert in wood carving. He made all of our toys, our children's toys, he made furniture for all of us. He did most of the wood work for this house. Embry, JJ's uncle, was the mastermind behind the structure of the house and he installed all the appliances. Our family has a handy man for anything you could need."

"It's wonderful," Eun Mi smiled. "Thank you."

"We aren't done yet," Natalie smiled and led Eun Mi out of the baby's room and to one last door in the large hallway. She opened the door to a large master bedroom. It was fully furnished and there was a large window that overlooked the woods. "Let me show you the bathroom," Natalie said and led Eun Mi to the bathroom. It was a giant room with the toilet and sink to one side and on the other there was a shower and a separate bathtub. "JJ said he really liked this set up. Evidently the shower and sink are in a separate room in Japan, but that just seems a little silly to me. He was most concerned with the shower/tub set up."

"It's perfect," Eun Mi smiled and finally looked at Natalie. "This bedroom's bigger than either hut is shared with my momma and grandpa."

"We all wanted to make sure you had a home where you could be happy and raise your children," Natalie said. "We already had this in the works, but once we heard about the baby we worked around the clock to make sure everything was perfect." Eun Mi smiled and, for the first time since she'd met her mother-in-law, was the one to initiate a hug and went teary eyed. Natalie accepted the hug and held Eun Mi close with the same smile.

"Thank you," Eun Mi said as she started crying.

"It was our pleasure, Eun Mi," Natalie smiled, getting a little teary eyed herself. "JJ was so unhappy until he met you. You gave me my son back and that's a debt I'll never be able to repay. But this will at least be a start."

"I love him so much," Eun Mi said. "I really do."

"I know you do," Natalie said. "And I'm eternally grateful to you for it." Natalie pressed a little kiss to Eun Mi's head. "Welcome to the family, Eun Mi."

"Thank you," Eun Mi said again.

"Come on," Natalie started. "I'll let you get to bed. You've had a long day already."

Eun Mi nodded and walked with Natalie back downstairs to the door. They hugged one more time and Natalie promised she'd be over the following day and Eun Mi would be able to meet the rest of the family. Once Eun Mi was alone, she didn't go to bed right away. She instead took a personal tour of the house again. She went down to their basement and indeed it was sparsely furnished. There was a desk and several tools on it and there were sheets of paper on a counter with some pens and pencils. She returned upstairs to the kitchen and took in its vast nature. There were more cabinets and storage space than she knew what to do with. There was a large fridge and all new up to date appliances including an oven that Eun Mi would almost certainly use for storage space most of the year. Not that she'd need the space in that kitchen. The island had plenty of work space with a sink in the center and the kitchen countertops were made of a marble that matched the brick.

She explored the dining room and then the living room next enjoying their hominess. She looked at their pictures and saw all the empty space around the fireplace and figured it would allow for more pictures to be added in the future. She loved that idea. She rushed up to her luggage and found the suitcase she was looking for and removed her picture with her mother then brought it downstairs to rest on the fireplace with all the others. Staring at that picture, she missed her mother more than ever. How she would have taken her mother from North Korea she had no idea, but she wished she could have shared this with her. She would have adored JJ Eun Mi knew. She would have adored his family given how warm and welcoming they'd been thus far and she would have adored this cozy home in the woods. Eun Mi brushed a stray tear away and finally returned upstairs going to the baby's room again.

She went to the rocking chair and sighed contentedly as she sat down rocking back and forth. It really was so perfect. She petted her belly and started to feel the baby kick a little and it made her smile. She ended up staying in that chair so long that she fell asleep and didn't wake up until the sun poked through the window. Natalie arrived at the house shortly after Eun Mi had woken up. She came into the house after a knock at the door and helped Eun Mi get her things unpacked. She saw one box that was more ornate while unpacking.

"What's in here?" Natalie asked.

"It's my Hanbok," Eun Mi said. "It's the one I wore for the wedding."

"Would you mind if I looked at it?"

"Sure," Eun Mi nodded and Natalie opened the box and removed the Hanbok as gently as possible. She took out the tiny coat first and admired the gold embroidery. Then she removed the dress and laid them down on the bed.

"This is so beautiful," Natalie said. "Now that I see it, I can imagine how cute you looked in it. Those black and white pictures don't do you justice."

"I almost didn't get it," Eun Mi said. "This silly thing cost three month's salary."

"A wedding dress is always an expensive thing or so I hear," Natalie said. "When I married Jae, I was in the rabbit fur dress. You'll wear it too when you and JJ have your Quileute ceremony."

"I look forward to it," Eun Mi smiled. "I hope we haven't broken any tradition having children before our Quileute wedding."

"Not at all," Natalie said. "So long as the child is born within the family home, there's no bad luck. That means you'll be having the baby in this bed."

"I don't want to ruin it," Eun Mi said hesitantly.

"No need to worry about that," Natalie said. "My brother has had years to learn how to keep all our beds as clean as possible. He's an expert by now. You'll meet him today and he'll give you a check-up if that's alright."

"I'll take it," Eun Mi said with a gentle smile. "I've done nothing but receive check-ups since I got pregnant."

"It's part of the process I'm afraid," Natalie said, "but it's all worth it."

"Are you and Suerro planning to have children?"

"He wants to," Natalie said. "I would like to have at least one with him. I think he wants more than one, but we'll see. Did JJ say anything about…..that is, has he said anything about having another sibling? After Suerro and I get married?"

"He didn't say anything to me," Eun Mi said. "I don't think it ever came up. Truthfully, JJ doesn't really like talking about Suerro. If you want the truth, he realized he was wrong long before hand, but I don't think he wanted to really confront it. He only called Suerro to make things right because I made him. Truthfully, I think he just wanted that to be the end of it."

"Do you think he'd be upset if Suerro and I had children?"

"I really couldn't say for sure," Eun Mi said. "I'm sure he wouldn't stop you and I'm sure he'd be as much a brother to them as he is with Salem and Nesia. I don't know if that will change how he feels about Suerro, though."

"I guess I was hoping the time away might have softened JJ's disposition towards Suerro," Natalie lamented.

"Softened, maybe, but he doesn't like him. Maybe one day the two of them will be friends, but if you want my advice: don't force it."

"I suppose you're right," Natalie said. She put away the hanbok and put it where Eun Mi requested. "Do you suppose there's anything I can do to encourage a better relationship?"

"Don't force it," Eun Mi reiterated.

"Alright," Natalie sighed. "Don't force it."

"I'm sure JJ will come around some day," Eun Mi said, "but you have to let him do it in his own time." Natalie finally smiled and even giggled a little.

"I'm pleased you know my son so well," Natalie said. "I brought him into this world yet you seem to know him better than I do."

"I wouldn't say that," Eun Mi said. "I'm just answering from an unbiased perspective. He's told me how he feels about Suerro and why he behaved the way he did. I can only conclude if everyone keeps forcing the matter that it will only make accepting Suerro that much harder for him."

"I know," Natalie said. "Thank you for being honest."

"My pleasure," Eun Mi said.

After all of Eun Mi's things were put away and they had some breakfast, Natalie brought Eun Mi with to her parents' house so she could finally meet everyone. She finally got to meet Nesia and all of JJ's other relatives and she felt as though she had climbed up the bean stock into the sky where the giant lived. All the men that were in the pack were easily over six feet tall and they were all bulky and muscular. They all made her feel like an ant. And there were so many of them. She was being introduced to cousins and uncles and aunts, grandparents, great grandparents and every relative in between. The only one among them that was her height was Alice. It was nice to finally meet someone that she didn't have to strain herself to look in the eye. Despite feeling like an ant in stature by comparison, she'd never felt more welcomed in her life.

"It's so good to finally meet you in person," Renesmee said as she hugged Eun Mi. "How are you feeling? Has everything been okay with the baby?"

"The baby's been well," Eun Mi said.

"When did you find out?"

"Around June," Eun Mi said. "I conceived in April."

"Really?" Kyle spoke up. "I'd thought you were further along."

"Yes, I get that a lot," Eun Mi said.

"I'll leave you alone today, but as soon as you've had time to get settled, I'll need to ensure to see you on a regular basis so we can monitor the baby's progress."

"Let her relax before you worry about that," Evalina said. "Don't let him scare you, Eun Mi. You'll be in good hands with Kyle. He's helped bring more children into this world than he can count."

"I assume he did the same for your daughter?"

"He did," Evalina smiled. "You'll have nothing to worry about, Eun Mi. Kyle will take good care of you."

"I'm happy to hear it," Eun Mi said.

"How about I come over in two days for a check-up?" Kyle asked. "That'll give you time to relax a little before I started bugging you regularly."

"You're the doctor," Eun Mi smiled.

Later when it was time for dinner, they mostly stood around having dinner rather than sit seeing as there were so many people there. Salem joked that when they did sit down one day to all have dinner that he'd ensure there was a phone book for her to use as a booster seat. Those that hadn't already seen her use her gift were surprised when she seemed to be floating in the air and something no one could see swatted JJ's head. Kai was the only one to laugh right away.

"I guess I'm not the only one with a strange power," Kai said.

"What do you do?" Eun Mi asked. Rather than say, Kai stared at Salem's glass of water and just made the water float out of the glass, spun it around a few times just for show and then let it splash back into the glass. "You control water?"

Kai nodded, "What about you? How does your gift work exactly? Are you psychic or something?"

"No," Eun Mi said. "I just have extensions that protrude from my back. You can't see them but they're there. I have ten altogether."

"So..what, you have twelve hands or something?" Kai asked.

"Exactly," Eun Mi said.

"That must come in handy," Kai smiled. "So you're from North Korea?"

"I was born in Northern Korea," Eun Mi said. "I was born around 1931 when Korea was still one nation and we were under Japanese oppression."

"Yes, I've heard Japan wasn't exactly kind overseas," Kai said and the look Eun Mi gave him only reinforced what he said.

"They were not known to be, no," Eun Mi said. "When my grandpa was alive it wasn't nearly so bad. We stayed out of the Japanese soldiers' way and they left us alone more or less. When my grandpa died, we had no other choice but to work for a comfort house."

"You were a prostitute?" Ada María asked. "I never took you for one to be accommodating like that."

"I was not a prostitute," Eun Mi said defensively. "I was a geisha."

"You were a geisha?" Kai asked.

"What's the difference between the two?" Ada María asked.

"Geishas are more like entertainers. They sing and dance and play instruments and they'll poor tea for someone who's paid for sit down time with them," Kai answered. "So you were a geisha in a comfort house?" Eun Mi nodded. "Do you speak Japanese?"

"あなたは？" (Anata wa/do you?)

"私がやります. 私は日本語に堪能です." (Watashi ga yarimasu. Watashi wa nihongo ni tan'nōdesu/ I do. I'm fluent in Japanese.)

"한국어를 할 수 있나요?" (hangug-eoleul hal su issnayo/Do you speak Korean?)

"Not very much," Kai said. "I speak enough to get by if I stop through, but I usually stay in Japan for a while and then go straight to the Philippines. I haven't been to Japan in a while, though, so it's nice to have someone to speak to that can keep my language skills sharp."

"私はできると思う," (Watashi wa dekiru to omou/I suppose I could) Eun Mi shrugged.

"あなたは女王様のために働いてから何年経ちましたか？ あなたはまだとてもよく話します," (Anata wa joō-sama no tame ni hataraite kara nan-nen tachimashita ka? Anata wa mada totemo yoku hanashimasu/ How many years has it been since you worked for The Mistress? You still speak so well.)

Deciding against interrupting them, others spoke amongst themselves while Kai and Eun Mi spoke in Japanese. Most of the group had gotten involved with their own conversations when they were interrupted by Kai nearly choking on his water when he started laughing at something.

"あなたは正直に言いましたか？" (Anata wa shōjiki ni iimashita ka/You honestly told them that?)

"What's funny?" Scarlet asked Kai.

"She," Kai started but he was still chuckling. "She was apparently a favorite among the troops when she worked for that comfort house, but she would never sleep with them. I asked her how she kept them off her and she," Kai started to chuckle again until he finally breathed enough to calm his laugh. "She'd said, '私は日本の天皇のために私の処女を救っています'"( Watashi wa Nihon no ten'nō no tame ni watashi no shojo o sukutte imasu).

"はい、彼らは私を信じていました," (Hai, karera wa watashi o shinjite imashita/Yes, and they believed me).

"What did she say?" Scarlet asked.

"If soldiers asked why her body wasn't for sale no matter how much they offered, she used to tell them she was saving her virginity for the Emperor of Japan," Kai repeated in English with another laugh. "Okay, Eun Mi. For the sake of argument, what would you have done if the emperor of Japan had called your bluff? What would you have done if Emperor Hirohito himself had waltzed into that comfort house and said, '私は私の賞を主張するためにここにいる,'"( Watashi wa watashi no shō o shuchō suru tame ni koko ni iru/I am here to claim my prize.)

Eun Mi was silent for a moment before saying, "I didn't plan that far." That made Kai laugh even more. "Honestly, what is the likelihood he'd have come all the way to Korea just for me?"

"I don't know," Kai kept chuckling. "Maybe one of the patrons of that comfort house was close to the emperor and told him stories of a woman so fair of skin, so black of hair and so red of lips that was so graceful and beautiful that only the emperor could have her and then he decided you might be worth the trip."

"I highly doubt that," Eun Mi said and rolled her eyes.

"I guess it's a moot point, but still," Kai chuckled.

"So you've only ever been with JJ?" Ada María asked and Eun Mi nodded. "Huh," she said absently, shrugged and sipped her wine.

"What?" Eun Mi asked.

"Nothing, Eun Mi," Nathan said with a gentle chuckle and nudged Ada María's arm.

"Don't worry, Eun Mi," Natalie said with a light laugh, "you'll get used to us eventually."

"I don't imagine that will take long," Eun Mi smiled back.

She stayed with everyone until well into the night even after half the pack had left to go on patrol for the night. Natalie, Suerro, Salem and Nesia all walked Eun Mi back home and wished her goodnight promising they'd see her again the next day. Eun Mi received a few much needed days to herself with the occasional visitor and she finally wrote her letter to JJ letting him know she'd arrived back to Washington safe and that she adored his family and missed him. For the first time in what felt like years, Eun Mi used her power freely and openly just like she used to. It did wonders to help her feel more comfortable and at home that she didn't have to inhibit herself anymore. It took some time for everyone to get used to it, but once they were no one batted an eye whenever they saw something floating through the air towards Eun Mi or towards them or when they saw Eun Mi floating in mid-air.

Kyle became a regular visitor of Eun Mi's, checking the baby's progress, giving her advice and making sure she was eating properly and so on. Her extra arms turned out to be completely necessary the further along she was in her pregnancy. According to Kyle, the baby was growing normally and would likely be the same size as any healthy baby, but Eun Mi was just a tiny thing. The further along she was, the more and more she felt like a beached whale and her extra hands were the only thing making sure she didn't lose her balance and fall over. She started clearing a spot near the house wanting to start a little garden just like the one she had with her mother back in Korea. A section of the basement became reserved for dried foods and clay pots she wasn't using, although one of her first orders of business was to make kimchi and selected a spot in their backyard that would be reserved for fermenting kimchi. Her ghostly hands did all the work to create a hole that she shoved the clay pot into so it could ferment. It was ready by fall when she already looked nearly ready to pop. During Thanksgiving, family was even willing to try her kimchi and anything else she made that was traditionally Korean. By the time it was December, Eun Mi had four of her ghostly hands on the ground at all times to help support her weight and keep her balance.

"You poor thing," Natalie said one day while they were having tea together in the morning. "I can't believe you're able to walk."

"I have help," Eun Mi said, referring to her extensions.

"Have you received a letter back from JJ?"

"Not yet," Eun Mi said. She never received a reply to the letter she'd sent him when she returned and it made her worry. "Has he called?"

"I'm afraid not," Natalie said. "You know I'd rush to get you if he did."

"You don't think…."

"No," Natalie interrupted. "If something happened to him, we'd be informed of it. When his father was killed, we knew in a month's time. If anything had happened, we would have heard about it. Besides, the war's over. I would hope he would be in no danger."

"That may be optimistic," Eun Mi said. "The war was declared a truce. North and South Korea haven't come to any agreement outside that. Until they do, they're technically still at war."

"Aren't there preparations to make Korea one nation again?"

"There are, but it won't happen," Eun Mi said knowingly. "I'd bet on that."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because North Korea won't agree to any less than South Korea joining the communist leadership of Kim Il Sung and South Korea will never agree to reunify unless General Kim Il Sung steps down. I know. I've been on both sides of the camp."

"Will you ever want to return to North Korea? To visit I mean?"

"Seoul, yes," Eun Mi said. "I would love to see Yon again someday. She was like a second mother to me while I worked at the M.A.S.H. I miss her very much. North Korea on the other hand…Even if I wanted to, I doubt I'll ever see my homeland again."

"Does that upset you?"

"Not the way I suppose it would one of your sister-in-laws," Eun Mi said.

"To my knowledge, Evalina is the only one that wants to return to Italy someday. She wants to take Evalynn to see where she grew up. Amber on the other hand doesn't want to set foot in Germany ever again. Or France for that matter."

"After everything she'd been through, I can't say I blame her," Eun Mi said. "For me, when my mother died, I lost my home figuratively and literally. She was all I had left and when she died I had nothing." Eun Mi looked at her cup of tea sorrowfully. "Were it not for that doctor telling me, my superiors would have let my mother die without letting me say goodbye." She rubbed her eye. "I hold no love for those people. I didn't realize just how unhappy I had been until your son brought me into South Korea. How brainwashed I'd been."

"I'm sorry I brought it up," Natalie said and put her hand on Eun Mi's wrist. "You'll never suffer that again."

"I know," Eun Mi finally smiled. "I just wish I could have shared all this with my mother."

"She's with you in spirit, Eun Mi," Natalie smiled reassuringly. Then she looked at Eun Mi's belly. "Do you mind if I check on the baby?"

"Of course," Eun Mi said and Natalie brought her hand to the now enormous swollen belly and near instantly she felt a little kick and she smiled. "Was JJ so active when you were pregnant with him?"

"Like father like baby," Natalie smiled fondly. "When JJ was a baby, he used to chew on his hand, whenever he had a nightmare Jae would let him sleep in our bed and he'd start kicking when he was sound asleep. JJ was always a twitchy baby. When I was pregnant with Salem, JJ used to poke at my belly trying to get Salem to kick or move."

"Do you think JJ will want a boy or girl?"

"He'll love this baby either way," Natalie reassured. "And whichever you have, you can try for the other next time. Unless this experience has scared you away from ever having more."

"It's not so bad as it could be," Eun Mi said. "My gift helps tremendously."

"I would imagine so," Natalie said. "Don't worry. According to Kyle, you're due soon."

"I hope so," Eun Mi said and Natalie giggled.

December went on until it was nearing Christmas with still no word from JJ. Eun Mi started keeping his picture near her beside so she could see him every morning and evening when she woke from or went to bed. She missed him so much and this long silence was doing nothing for her comfort. Two days before Christmas, Eun Mi joined Natalie and the others up to the Cullen house for the yearly Christmas celebration granted much to Kyle's protests. She was so far along and in such a state that he really didn't want her exerting herself overly much, but Eun Mi insisted she was fine and reminded him that she had ten extra hands to keep her upright. Besides, she'd said, she was eager to experience a proper American Christmas. Though, as luck would have it, by Christmas Eve, she was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable. Not quite contractions, but she was definitely in pain periodically.

"Eun Mi," Kyle said to her that morning, "I just want to give you fair warning. I'll keep my mind open so if you feel anything, I will know and for how long."

"You don't think I'm in labor do you?"

"No, no, you're not at that point yet," Kyle said. "Your body's preparing to go into labor, though. So I think it's safe to guess this baby will be here in the next two or three days. Once we've all opened presents tomorrow, I'm going to insist on taking you back home so you can relax. You need to be home when this baby's born."

"If you're saying it won't be for another two or three days, then I'm sure it'll be fine," Eun Mi said.

"I will give you credit where credit is due, Eun Mi: you're much calmer than most first time moms I walk through this process."

"You're telling me the baby's been healthy, so what is there to worry about?" Eun Mi asked.

"I wish I'd been so brave as you when I was getting ready to have JJ," Natalie smiled and petted Eun Mi's belly. "Have you felt the baby start moving?"

"I can feel the baby right here," Eun Mi said, pressing her hand right belly the bump near her pubic bone.

"Yeah, this baby will be here any day now," Kyle reaffirmed. "The baby's already getting into birthing position."

"Good," Eun Mi said. "I'd like to return to being able to carry my own weight on my own."

"Didn't I tell you mom?" Salem chuckled. "When she and JJ have kids, the poor thing will be like a freshly fed tick."

Salem chuckled briefly only for one of Eun Mi's hands to swat him across the head effectively shutting him up for the time being. The following morning, they all woke up early (courtesy of the younger children in the family) to have Christmas morning breakfast and to open presents. Eun Mi saw the giant pile of presents that were for JJ that had been accumulated over the years he'd been away and seeing it instantly made her feel rather sad. Regardless, she enjoyed the festivities with everyone. It was a while before she even got to opening her presents because she was watching everyone else open theirs. They all opened their presents while talking to each other. There wasn't an ounce of quiet in the room between the Christmas music playing on the TV and everyone talking and it all made Eun Mi smile.

"Is everything alright, Eun Mi?" Natalie asked when she noticed Eun Mi wasn't opening her presents.

"I'm alright," Eun Mi said. "I'm just taking everything in."

Finally, she got to opening her presents and they were all gifts mostly for the baby like clothes, more new toys, diapers and anything else she'd not already received during her baby shower back in the fall. She would get pains here and there, but nothing serious, so Kyle didn't make too much of a fuss. Something seemed to catch his attention though and when it had, he looked right at Natalie.

"Natalie, there's someone at the door. Go answer it," Kyle said.

"Who?" Natalie asked and stood from her spot on the couch. Kyle didn't bother answering and Natalie glanced around the room trying to figure out who wasn't there. She eventually made it to the door opening it as someone was walking up the stairs of the patio still in his dressier green pants and matching coat with gold buttons, patches and green hat with the black trim and very front pointing upward. He truly was the image of his father. "JJ?"

"Hey mom," JJ answered with that smile Natalie hadn't seen in years. It made her nearly faint.

"JJ's home?" someone asked from inside but by then, Natalie already met JJ the rest of the way and hugged him, crying shamelessly.

"JJ," Natalie whimpered while she hugged her son.

"I missed you too, mom," JJ said.

From inside, Eun Mi was standing the instant she heard Natalie said JJ's name and she heard his voice. Everyone was already approaching the door while Eun Mi stood still almost not believing JJ was really at the door. She started to approach slowly while there was a big crowd around the entrance. The crowd kept saying his name and welcoming him home. Eun Mi started feeling pains that were slightly different than before, but she ignored them. She didn't care at the moment. Finally, after several minutes of everyone having a chance to welcome JJ home, he came through the crowd of people and she could finally see him. When she could, her heart fluttered and he smiled at her.

"Hello, baby," he said, "did you miss me?" Her answer came in the form of Eun Mi running towards him, any pain be damned, with her extensions acting as extra feet so she wouldn't fall and Kyle in the background telling her to slow down and stop running, but she wasn't listening. She finally reached JJ and practically jumped into his arms to hug him.

"JJ," Eun Mi whimpered when she was in his arms. "난 당신이 너무 그리웠." (nan dangsin-i neomu geuliwoss).

"I hope that means you missed me," JJ teased and hugged her just a little tighter feeling the giant bump between them. They shared a quick kiss before JJ put her back on her feet so he could look at her belly. "I really made it home before you had the baby?"

"By the skin of your teeth," Kyle said. "She's due any day now."

"JJ, when did you get home? Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Natalie asked.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," JJ said. "After the end of the war was announced, I put in a request for a transfer. I didn't get a transfer back to the United States, but it's out of Korea at least."

"Where?" Eun Mi asked, having a feeling she already knew where.

"Japan," JJ said guiltily.

"For how long?" Natalie asked.

"I'll be stationed in Japan for a year," JJ said. "After I served a year there, I'll put in another request for a transfer. I'll try to get transferred back home, but if I don't, I'll at least only have one more year to serve in the army and I can retire. I had to beg, but I was able to get some time off to come home before I'm shipped off to Japan."

"How long can you stay," Natalie asked.

"I've got until January 17 and then I need to ship back," JJ said and then he looked back at Eun Mi. "I'm sorry. I really tried to get stationed here."

"We'll talk about it later," Eun Mi smiled and took his hand to lead him to the couch.

"We were opening gifts, so this is perfect timing," Natalie said and went to grab all of JJ's presents and brought them over to him.

"Are these all mine?" JJ asked when he saw the ever growing pile.

"It's four year's worth of presents," Natalie smiled. "You'd better get started. You have a lot to get through."

"Here's some eggnog," Bella said bringing some over. "Eun Mi made that soy milk she told us all you like and Natalie was very fond of it too."

"Have you seen your new house?" Salem asked. "Eun Mi's already planning a garden and she's designated a spot in the backyard where she has this giant clay pot dug in."

"It's an Ongi," JJ said. "That's how kimchi gets fermented."

"My, aren't we cultured," Salem teased and JJ punched his shoulder before starting to open all his presents while Eun Mi snuggled close to him.

She showed him some of the gifts everyone had given her that were for the baby and they were able to talk about how she'd been since coming to Washington. He managed to get through all his gifts just Eun Mi was getting really tired and starting to feel rather unwell and Kyle had insisted she needed to get herself back home. When they returned, it was the first time JJ had seen the house and was looking around while he was helping Eun Mi upstairs to bed so she could relax. The family helped get their gifts back to the house and Suerro returned to Natalie's house to retrieve JJ's luggage since he'd just dropped it off there.

"I'm going to be back at the Cullen house," Kyle said once they had Eun Mi upstairs. "If anything changes, just call and I'll be right over."

"Alright," JJ agreed. "Do you think she'll deliver today?"

"I doubt it, but that can easily change," Kyle said. "Just keep a close eye on her and if you need me, just call."

"I will," JJ agreed and Kyle finally left. Natalie eventually left around early evening when Eun Mi still seemed to just be suffering practice labor pains. Once they were finally alone, they laid in bed together with JJ holding her close.

"When did you get back?"

"This morning," JJ said. "Since it's later, I guess we should talk about where I'm stationed. You don't have to go, but-"

"You know I'll go," Eun Mi said. "If we're there together, it won't be so bad. You said it's only a year?"

"One year and then I'll apply to be transferred again," JJ said. "I'll try getting transferred to the States again. Worst case scenario we spend another year in Japan before I retire."

"I can deal with two years," Eun Mi said and then winced.

"Are you okay?" JJ asked.

"Just another pain," Eun Mi said. "You couldn't have picked a better day to come back home."

"No kidding," JJ said with a smile and touched her belly. "I had just assumed there was no way I'd make it back in time. How has the pregnancy been?"

"It was alright," Eun Mi said. "I just missed you. Every time the baby would kick, I would wish you could feel it. Your mother said you used to kick a lot when she was pregnant with you."

"I'm sure mom gave you plenty of stories about me," JJ smiled and kissed her. He kept rubbing her belly soothingly and even elicited a few kicks from the baby. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Eun Mi said. "Am I leaving with you in January?"

"No," JJ said. "When I got transferred, I requested a family house on base hoping you'd come with me. Once I've gotten the housing assignment, I'll send for you so I think you'll be able to join me in February. Hopefully by then, you'll feel a lot better."

"If I'm having the baby soon, I'm sure I'll be better by then," Eun Mi smiled but then she winced again. "Soon being the operative word I think."

"Do you want me to call Kyle?"

"No, not yet," Eun Mi said. "It's still just minor. Kyle's assured me I'll know when it's labor pain because it will be the worst pain I've experienced to date."

"Worse than being shot?" JJ asked trying to be humorous.

"Yes, worse than that," Eun Mi said. She cuddled up to JJ a little more and JJ held her close to him, kissing the top of her head.

"Thank you," JJ said.

"For what?"

"For agreeing to come with me," JJ said. "It really means a lot to me to have you and our baby there with me. I'll still be away from home, but at least a little of home can come with me."

"No more than two years," Eun Mi smiled.

"Not a day more," JJ said and kissed her head again.

Another two hours passed and the two of them had ended up falling asleep in one another's arms. They stayed that way until it was late in the night and Eun Mi was awoken by a sharp, horrible pain that she'd not been having before. It was bad enough that she felt as though she may throw up. So she ran to the bathroom prepared to do just that and it woke JJ up.

"Eun Mi, are you okay?" JJ asked.

"No," Eun Mi said. "나는 아팠다." (naneun apassda/I feel sick)

"What?" JJ asked. She didn't end up clarifying because when she was standing in front of the toilet ready to vomit, her water broke instead. "Shit," JJ said and grabbed the phone. He called the Cullen house and his Grandma Bella had been the one to answer the phone. Thankfully, Kyle was still there and after explaining what just happened Kyle confirmed he'd be right over. "Eun Mi, Uncle Kyle's on his way."

"JJ," Eun Mi whimpered and JJ ran over to her so he could help keep her upright. Then he helped her back to the bed and sat behind her the way he knew he was supposed to. Just a few minutes later Kyle finally arrived.

"Well, there goes those bed sheets," Kyle said. "Eun Mi, how are the contractions since your water broke?"

"직접 알아 내라," (jigjeob al-a naela/figure it out yourself) Eun Mi snapped. Kyle didn't understand what she said, but he certainly understood her tone.

"I guess that's all the answer I need," Kyle sighed and walked over. "I meant are there any rest periods between your contractions."

"Not enough," Eun Mi whimpered.

"JJ, keep her elevated while I check how far she's dilated." JJ did as he was instructed while Kyle lifted Eun Mi's dress to check. A moment later, he appeared surprised. "Well, that progressed fast."

"You think?" Eun Mi said sarcastically.

"How far is she?" JJ asked.

"She's nine centimeters," Kyle said.

"Already?" JJ asked.

"I don't know how she managed it, but it seems she slept through a lot of the labor," Kyle said. "Either that or the labor really did just get going and you woke up as soon as it started."

"Uncle Kyle?" Eun Mi said. "I don't care how it started or how quickly. Just make it stop."

"I can't make it stop, Eun Mi. I can only help you along," Kyle said.

"Then help!" Eun Mi said just as another contraction was coming on.

JJ did what he could to keep Eun Mi calm, but she was in so much pain that it seemed like nothing he did helped. At the very least, it was all over rather quickly. Given she was so petite, Kyle was shocked she'd dilated so quickly, but actually delivering the baby was another matter entirely. Her contractions were finally on top of each other but when she tried to push, it was taking forever. According to Kyle, the baby was having trouble getting past her hip bones through the birth canal. Eun Mi reiterated she didn't care so long as he just made it stop. JJ's only option was to, as gently as possible, hold the baby's head as soon as he saw the head start to crown. Eun Mi kept pushing as best she could while Kyle eased the baby out and, finally, after twenty minutes of trying to push the baby out, the room finally filled with a baby's cry and Eun Mi never thought she'd be so happy to hear a baby crying.

"It's a boy," Kyle said to them and Eun Mi finally smiled.

"My goodness," Evalina said who'd joined them about forty minutes ago to help Kyle. She lifted the baby into her arms after Kyle cut the cord and Evalina got the baby to some water to clean him off. "No wonder you were having so much trouble. This little guy must be nine pounds at least."

She finished cleaning up the little boy and then put a little white cap over his little head before bringing him over to them in a fresh towel. She rested the little boy into Eun Mi's arms so she could finally see him. He had Eun Mi's almond shaped mono-lidded eyes and he already had a full head of black hair that Eun Mi could see poking out through his little white cap and he had the cutest little nose. He was tan just like JJ and Eun Mi too. When he opened his little eyes, they were black.

"Jae Sun," Eun Mi smiled. "Jae Sun Dauer has a good ring to it."

"I think so," JJ smiled and kissed Eun Mi's head while he looked at the little baby and touched his little cheek. "He looks just like you."

"It's just his eyes," Eun Mi said. She tried to tickle Jae Sun's nose and managed to get a teeny tiny smile off the baby. "See? He has your smile."

"He has his grandpa's smile," JJ said and kissed Eun Mi's head.

Eun Mi eventually relinquished Jae Sun to JJ so he could show him off to all the relatives that were already waiting downstairs while Kyle helped Eun Mi deliver the placenta and get her feeling better. Jae Sun was passed around from relative to relative telling of how adorable he was and how he had Eun Mi's eyes and already had such thick black hair and so on even if it was already late in the night.

"Born on Christmas day," Suerro said when Natalie was holding the baby. "Poor kid. First a name no one will ever be able to spell properly and now a birthday in December."

"Don't worry, Suerro. We'll just have to make sure to celebrate for fifteen minutes between holiday parties," Salem joked and JJ punched his shoulder again. "Hey, don't take your aggression out on me."

"You should be nicer to your nephew, kid," JJ said.

"He's beautiful, JJ," Natalie smiled.

"Congratulations, JJ," Suerro said.

"Thanks," JJ said perhaps a little awkwardly but no one really said anything about it.

"JJ," Kyle said as he stepped downstairs, "Eun Mi's asking for you."

"Alright," JJ said and left Jae Sun with Natalie and everyone to go back upstairs. "How are you feeling?" he asked when he was back upstairs in their bedroom.

"Better than I was," Eun Mi said. "Where's Jae Sun?"

"Mom's got him," JJ said and sat on the bed beside her. "He's a big hit."

"Of course he is," Eun Mi said. "A new baby is always the center of attention. Will we ever get him back?"

"I'm sure they'll hand him right over once he starts crying again," JJ joked.

"Of course," Eun Mi said with a gentle smile. "Will we be able to come and visit?"

"It won't be cheap, but I'll try to make sure we can come for Christmas at least. We can use a plane and it'll be faster."

"A plane?"

"Yeah," JJ said. "There are commercial planes we can use to come to and from the U.S. That's how I got here and that's how I'm getting back. That's how I'll send for you to come to Japan. Unless you'd rather come by boat. That would probably be more comfortable."

"How long will the plane take?"

"24 hours," JJ said. "With layover in Hawaii."

"I suppose 24 hours is better than a week," Eun Mi said. "I'll take the plane."

"Thank you again for agreeing to join me in Japan," JJ said. "I know how you feel about them but it really does mean a lot to me."

"I can tolerate them for two years if I have to," Eun Mi reassured. "But no more than that."

"I can guarantee it won't be more than that," JJ smiled and they shared a kiss. "Did you want me to go get Jae Sun?"

"No, let everyone enjoy his company," Eun Mi said. "They won't get to see him very often for a while so they should get as much time as they want while they can." As if on cue, a little cry sounded from downstairs.

"Or not," JJ chuckled and went downstairs to retrieve Jae Sun to bring him upstairs. As it turned out, the little boy was just hungry.

Once Jae Sun was fed and cleaned up, he returned downstairs to his adoring public, passed around once again so everyone could have a chance to hold him. Most of the guests ended up spending the night, sleeping on the couch or in the guest rooms while JJ and Eun Mi slept in their bedroom with Jae Sun between them in the bed. He woke up bright and early with a little cry for his milk and Eun Mi fed him. She was still exhausted, so JJ cleaned Jae Sun up and got him dressed and bundled up while Eun Mi went back to sleep for a little while. JJ got downstairs and started a giant pot of coffee for their guests most of whom were still asleep save for the Cullens and Suerro. He requested some quiet time with his son and enjoyed his coffee outside on his new dining patio. It was more than he could have ever asked for and there were more rooms than he figured he and Eun Mi could fill. Though depending on how long it would be before Eun Mi decided she wanted to have another baby, they could always work to fill the rooms. They had time.

JJ made sure he was in his heavy jacket and kept a blanket covering Jae Sun's face to protect him from the cold. He drank his coffee enjoying the sun peaking through the trees when a little bird landed on the railings of the patio. It was Blu. The little blue bird JJ hadn't seen since he left home. The bird looked at him curiously and JJ heard a crow caw in the woods, but he focused on the bird. It started to tweet and dance in the snow eager for something. JJ glanced at the blanket and then back at the bird. It seemed so strange to do so, but JJ eventually took the blanket away gently to reveal Jae Sun's face and when he did, Blu flew over and perched on the blanket to see the baby.

"His name's Jae Sun," JJ said. "After my dad and Eun Mi's mother." Blu started to tweet and came just a little closer to the baby. Jae Sun opened his little eyes to look at the bird, giggled a little and started wiggling under his blanket. "I think he likes you, Blu," JJ smiled. He stared at the bird a moment, shocked to find a little bird so interested, and as if to test something, JJ brought a finger up toward the bird and Blu perched on JJ's finger which he then brought just a little closer to Jae Sun. Blu tweeted again at Jae Sun and then looked up at JJ with his little black eyes.

"JJ," Suerro's voice came suddenly and then Blu flew away. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Sure," JJ said and Suerro took a seat beside him as JJ was putting the blanket back over Jae Sun's face so he wouldn't be cold.

"How do you like being home?"

"Came home to a mountain of gifts and a new son," JJ said. "So far so good."

"It's good to have you home," Suerro said. "Your mother missed you."

"I'm aware," JJ said. There was a brief silence before Suerro continued.

"Look, JJ," Suerro said, "there hasn't really been a chance to bring it up so I'll do it now. A while back, your mother and I had a moon ceremony."

"I already know," JJ said. "What about it?"

"Well, now that you're home, your mother wants to get married. I was hoping I could have your blessing."

"I already gave it to you, didn't I?" JJ said.

"Yes, but not in person," Suerro said.

"You want it in writing too?" JJ asked and Suerro took a deep breath.

"In person is fine," Suerro said. "I had hoped that, all things considered, you and I could finally start to bury the hatchet."

"It's buried, Suerro, so just relax," JJ said. "You have my blessing to marry my mom. Just be good to her and we won't have a problem."

"I promise I will be," Suerro said.

"Good," JJ said. "Because you realize I'm a wolf. So I can kill you if you ever make my mother unhappy."

"Dually noted," Suerro said with a light smile trying to put humor into the conversation. "It would mean a lot to your mother if the two of us could be friends."

"Will she accept cordially tolerating you?" JJ asked.

"If it's all I'll get then I'll take it," Suerro said with a gentle shrug, figuring it best not to argue.

"So was that leather strap my mom was wearing the bracelet you proposed to her with?" JJ asked.

"It's the traditional bracelet, yes," Suerro said.

"You realize, Suerro, that my dad gave her an opal and garnet bracelet in silver, right?"

"Relax, JJ, it's not a contest," Suerro groaned a little as he pinched the bridge of his nose. To his surprise, JJ smiled and even chuckled a little. "What?"

"Nothing important," JJ said. "Just be good to my mother, make her happy, and we'll get along as well as we need to. Just because you're marrying my mother doesn't mean I have to like you."

"What happened to apologizing to me?" Suerro said.

"I apologized to you for how I left and had been treating you," JJ said. "I was wrong and I was admitted that to you and apologizing for it. Apologizing to you doesn't mean we're friends."

"Alright," Suerro said. "Well, just because I love your mother doesn't mean I have to like you."

"Glad we understand each other," JJ said. Oddly enough, the moment made Suerro smile a little.

"Yeah," Suerro said. "I'm glad we finally understand each other." Then Suerro stood up to go inside. "Don't stay out here too long. Poor baby will catch cold."

"I'll be back inside in a minute," JJ said.

"And JJ?" Suerro said, making JJ turned to look at him. "It really is good to have you home."

"Enjoy it while it lasts I guess," JJ said.

"Just two more years and we'll get to enjoy this sinister banter without interruption," Suerro said.

"Oh joy," JJ said sarcastically. Suerro smiled a little to himself and then finally went back inside to let JJ have some more time alone with his son.