"Jack, can you tell the family our secret?" Linda asked as she helped her two year old eat during Sunday dinner.
"Baby." Jack was much more interested in the food than what his mother had to say.
"What about a baby?"
If the little boy knew how to roll his eyes, he would, "Mommy And Baby."
"What about Mommy and baby?" She was getting frustrated.
"Mommy glets Baby."
"That's right!" Linda beamed, "Mommy's having a baby!"
"Oh my word!" Erin sequealed as everyone got up to hug the expectant mother.
Jack, who was Erin's husband, wondered, "it is Danny's, isn't it?"
"No, it's Joe's." The blonde said, completely dead pan. "Of course it's Danny's, you dipshit!" She swatted him.
"But how? He's in Iraq."
"The doc says I'm eleven weeks pregnant. Which means it happened before Danny left." She crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at her brother-in-law.
"Eleven?!" Frank exclaimed, "and you didn't notice before?"
"I guess I was so worried, I didn't see the signs."
"When did you find out?" Frank wondered, happy for his daughter in law.
"Remember when Joe called, and said I was in the hospital because of a panic attack? That's when. That was Tuesday, I think."
"Are you excited?" Mary wondered, hoping Linda had gotten over her worry.
"I'm scared," Linda shrugged. "I can't do it without Danny. I just can't."
*********
It was meal time in Iraq about three weeks later where Danny was stationed, which meant it was mail call. Danny sat besides his two buddies, Cliff and Meat Claw. The Reagan still wasn't sure why his friend was called 'Meat Claw'. Danny smiled as the guy handing out the letters gave him his. When he got letters, he always got one from Linda and his Mom. Of course, this was only the third or fourth letter he got, but he knew his Mom and wife were the most worried about him. He took the letter out and started to read,
'My dearest Danny,
I have started many letters trying to tell you this, and each one has ended up in the trash can...
Before I tell you, I need you to know that, although I'm scared, I can do it. As long as you and your family are by side side, I can do anything. Danny... I'm pregnant, Danny.
It must've happened between the bombing and before you left. I figure by the time you read this I'll be three, maybe four months pregnant. Your family was very excited and happy, and readily offered any help I could ever need or want. (Except Jack, who accused me of cheating- which I didn't! I could never cheat!) Anyways, I'm pregnant. I'm very excited, but wish you were here. I know we planned another kid around this time, but you going to Iraq was unexpected. So was this little one!
I have some letters from Erin, Mary, and the rest of the family enclosed, as well as the recent pictures. Jamie sends his love, and is thriving at Harvard! As we all expected! The kid's a genius!
Anyway, I hope you're doing well down there, and I hope we're winning.... I don't know if you could take off to come home when I'm eight months and then stay two or so more months? Could you talk to your CO about that? If you can't, that's okay. Frank or Joe or Jack can help me.
Love you as always,
Linda.
P.S. Come home to me....
Oh, yeah, little Jack is boasting about you saving "the entire world!" He's so cute! And he's growing fast! Everyday he looks more like you! Please come home to me and Jack and the little one. We need you.'
YOU ARE READING
Can't Do It Without You
Fanfiction"I can't do it without him, Mary. I just can't." After the frightful day of 9-11, Danny Reagan has confirmed a decision he and his wife were discussing. With her permission and blessing, he acts upon it. Linda Reagan's husband was doing what he ne...
