The Army Deployment

Deployment

Now it's two months later, the twins are also two months old and are very healthy, Tim's only met their twin girl Sara but he still doesn't know about Liam. Ivy had turned three recently and had a good birthday even though her father wasn't there in person but on video call. Around lunch is when everyone gathered at the Bradford house.

Grey: "You ready to bring him home?"

Lucy: "More than ready. He told me that he needs to be tapped out from service."

John: "It's tradition for the family to tap them out, but I don't know how long we have to wait until he can be tapped out as he's a senior soldier."

Lucy: "I don't care about that, I just want him home. I already know how I want to tap him out." She smiles, they all load up and head to the base where they are directed to the area for family.

Commander: "Today we are gathered here to mark the end of your tour. After this your family will reunite with you. But first we farewell one of our Sergeant, Sergeant Bradford (Tim walks up and stops near the commander) has been an essential part of the team. Thank you for your service to our country Sergeant, good luck with your future." They salute at each other then Tim receives a flag and a few medals, Tim's eyes found Lucy's as he walked back to his spot, Lucy smiles at her husband acknowledgement.

Commander: "That concludes this gathering, family you are welcomed to come tap out your relatives. Ranked soldiers family please wait until you are directed to." Families moved while the gang hung back waiting until it was their turn.

Ivy: "Daddy?"

Lucy: "Yeah darling, daddy's coming home but we just have to wait a little bit. You remember what you have to do?"

Ivy: "Yes mummy." Lucy hugs her daughter while Angela gave her a side hug.

About 10 minutes later...

Commander: "Family of ranked soldiers may tap their family member." Families moved, and Angela turned to face Lucy.

Angela: "You two go get him, we'll be here."

Lucy: "I'll take Sara with me so he can meet her then we can surprise him." Angela helped Lucy get the baby carrier on and Ivy settled on her hip.

Ivy: "Bro?"

Lucy: "That's daddy's surprise remember, we can't tell him okay?" She nods her little head. After one more look at her friends she walks off to where Tim was still standing at attention. She smiled at him when she got in front of him.

Lucy (softly): "Hi baby." She turned to Ivy, gently passing her over to Tim. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Ivy: "Hi daddy." Next thing was Tim's arms wrapping around her, holding her close.

Tim: "Hi sweetie." He looked at Lucy who was smiling at him.

Tim: "There's my gorgeous wife." Cupping her cheek, she leant into his touch. They both look down at the baby in the carrier.

Lucy: "Baby, I would like to introduce you personally to Sara, our two month old baby girl." Tim leant down and kiss Sara's head.

Tim: "Hi baby girl, I can't wait to hold you. Now come here baby." They hug each other and exchange a kiss.

Lucy: "Ready to go? All our friends are here to see you."

Tim: "Yeah I'm ready." Holding hands they walk over to the group, who were smiling at the reunited couple. After greeting everyone Tim returned to Lucy's side.

Tim: "I didn't know you had a baby Ang."

Angela: "I didn't."

Tim: "Then whose baby are you holding?" Lucy squeezed his hand gently, getting his attention.

Lucy: "We haven't been completely honest with you. Ang is holding a baby boy named Liam, he's our baby boy." Tim turned his body completely to face her.

Tim: "What? You had twins?"

Lucy: "Yeah I did, we didn't find out until labour and after Sara was born. The doctor went through the ultrasounds and believes that Sara was either protecting or hiding her brother. Then they were holding hands during their birth, only letting go when Sara was born. She helped out as he wasn't as strong."

Angela: "Luce wanted to keep it a secret to surprise you and we all went along with it." He was shocked but very happy.

Tim: "Baby could you get Nyla to hold Sara. Ivy sweetie could you stay with grandpa for a minute." Grey and Nyla grab the kids, next thing Lucy knew she was being pulled into a hug from Tim.

Lucy: "Welcome home baby." He held her tighter.

Tim: "Thanks baby, I'm here to stay officially. I'm so proud of you." They pull away and kiss each other.

Lucy: "Let's go home." Tim took ahold of Sara while Lucy carried Liam to the cars. The whole drive home, Tim held his family close.

Arriving home, everyone helped Tim settle into his life again but with the addition of not one but two baby Bradfords. He couldn't believe it but got to hold their twin children at the same time and he was grateful to be home.

A/N

I know that the 'tapping out' of US army is for graduates after completing their training, but I thought this would be a little twist to the tradition, sorry if anyone doesn't like this twist.