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TJ laughed. “This isn’t a democracy, boys. You’ll do exactly what you're told. Now, let’s run the drill again. And this time, Rick, don’t shoot them in the nuts.”

Mike smiled as he looked out the kitchen window and saw Axe and Junior racing around the lawn. His son was clutching a toy bow and arrow, using it to hunt his canine sidekick, who had managed to steal one of the soft-headed arrows and was holding it in his mouth.

The dog would turn and stand, letting Junior get within a few feet before ducking under his attempt to grab the arrow and sprinting away. Mike laughed as the game continued, and Axe teased the boy.

“Hey, those plates aren’t going to wash themselves,” his wife said, gently slapping him on the butt.

He grinned and shook his head as he turned his attention back to the sink. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good boy,” she said as she took up a cloth to dry the dishes.

“Oh, you better not be starting something.” He turned and grabbed her with suds on his hands.

She squealed and tried to escape. “Mike, this is a new dress.”

“Really, I hadn’t noticed.” He pulled her in close and kissed her.

Ali melted into his arms for a moment before squirming free. “Michael Saunders, behave yourself. We’ve got a child in the house.”

Mike glanced out of the window and saw that Junior and Axe were still playing their game on the lawn and frowned. “He’s outside.”

Ali chuckled. “Yeah, that one’s outside.”

It took a moment for the hammer to drop. “No way.”

“Yes, way, sailor. Very early, but it looks like we’re pregnant.”

Mike let out a whoop.

“Look, it’s early days. Let’s get to the twelve-week mark before we start getting excited and telling people.”

“OK, OK.” Mike leaned down and kissed his wife’s neck, holding her body gently. “You’ve got no idea how happy I am.”

She exhaled. “Well, I’ve got more news.”

He frowned. “Wait, it’s too early to know if it’s twins, right?”

Ali shook her head, smiling. “Way too early. No,” she paused. “You’re not the only one who’s going to be a dad.”

Mike looked even more confused. “Wait, who else is pregnant? Don’t tell me your sister’s going to have a third?”

“No, babe. It’s Saber, Axe is going to be a dad.”

Mike took a breath. “You’re shitting me. Puppies?”

“Yes, George called today. She’s started to show, and he thinks it was the first time we introduced them, which puts her at seven weeks. I’m going to take Axe around to see her tomorrow.”

“That’s my boy.” He kissed the top of Ali’s head. “What a day. My boy and I are going to be dads.”

“You do know there’s a bit of a gestation difference.” She laughed. “Axe’s puppies are only a few weeks away. You’ve got at least eight months to go.”

“A few weeks...” He did the mental math. “That means I can start training one of his pups before the end of the year.” He clapped his hands in excitement. “We could have a baby Axe on the team by this time next year.”

She shook her head. “What about Junior? When are you planning for him to pass BUDS?”

Mike laughed. “Babe, we don’t do child soldiers. He’ll have to wait till he's eighteen like everyone else.”

“She’s definitely pregnant,” said Ali as she ran her hands along Saber’s flank. The female Belgian Malinois was a little smaller than Axe, with darker features and a narrower face. “She’s already starting to udder up.”