They listen to the news that was on the television then sat on the balcony and waited to watch the organized fireworks show when it got dark. When the...last firework had exploded Joni went to the bedroom. Ted picked up the glasses and washed them.As he was putting away the glasses he heard, “Ted.”Turning toward her voice he almost dropped a glass. Joni was standing in the doorway to the master bedroom. That was not unusual but what was unusual was that she was wearing a high thigh length red. .” She turned away from him.“Molly,” he said softly and kindly, but with such authority that she stopped in her tracks. “I know what you’re going to say. You think that with everything that’s going on, your problems don’t matter and you don’t want give anyone else the added burden. But we are friends and I want to help you. I want to make you happy. Any weight you have to carry, I’ll carry with you.”Molly turned to him with a sad smile on her face. “Thank you,” she said before retaking her. Holly shrugged. Come on, kiddo, He said, and picked her up by the waist, kissing her forehead. She softened and put her arms around his neck, shivers running down her spine. He took the empty bottle and sat on the middle of his bed, setting her in his lap. She instinctively nuzzled the base of his neck fervently as he scratched the back of hers. You are so, so, so, clingy, Daddy remarked as she curled up tighter in his lap. He picked up the bottle and began to feed her as she took the nipple. The meal and evening went just perfectly. Ron and Bill shared stories of how stupid army life could be, and we all laughed uproariously. Bill finally left about half past nine, and we both urged him to come back soon.The minute he was out of the door Ron and I were in each other's arms, and I doubt if we were ever more than three feet away from each other for the next twenty-four hours. We showered together, and we even went to the bathroom together, chatting happily while we took care of.