When I do finally hear my phone ding, I’m disappointed to see it’s my brother, Theo.
Theo: Any cabin rentals down there you recommend?
Contemplating his question, I recall my captain has one he often lets our squad use when we need some R&R.
Me: I might. What’s up?
Theo: My girl needs space from life here. Need somewhere quiet.
Me: The shooting at the college?
Theo: And so much fucking more…
Standing up, I stride towards my captain’s office. “Got a sec?” I ask.
Looking up from his computer, he waves me in. “What’s up, Burkhart?”
“Anyone using the cabin this weekend?” I’ve never asked, so he perks up.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah. My brother’s girl was involved in the shooting we heard about last week, and he wants to get her out of town for a bit. Give her a place to regain some perspective.”
Without a word, he opens his desk drawer and tosses me a set of keys. “It’s theirs as long as they need it. You know the address?”
“I do. Thanks, man.” I text Theo as I walk back to my desk.
Me: I’ve got a place. About an hour away. When you coming?
Theo: This weekend.
Me: I’ll see you there with the keys.
Theo: Thanks bro.
While I’m excited to reconnect with my brother, I’m a little worried about his girl. I know who Lola is because he’s talked to me about her so much, and last week, he called to say things were finally happening for them, but that she was in a bad place after her friend's death. Now I worry if she’ll be ready for my brother. And parents.
My phone dings again, and I expect it to be Theo this time. I’m pleased to see it’s not.
Pretty Girl: Hi Reed, I’m feeling better. Thank you for asking.
Me: Glad to hear it. Still up for tonight?
Pretty Girl: Yes. I have an appointment late in the afternoon, but I’ll stop for Chinese food on my way home and come get you. If that’s okay? If you’re busy, that’s fine.
I shake my head at her answer.
Me: I’m coming pretty girl, wild horses couldn’t keep me away.
Pretty Girl: See you at 7. Bye Reed.
Me: See you soon pretty girl.
Anticipation motivates me to continue on with my paperwork, and I have it on my captain's desk in record time. As I glance up at the clock, I see it’s time to head home, and I’m grateful that no emergency calls have me running to a crime scene instead.
Locking the drawers of my desk, I grab my truck keys and head out, saying goodnight to Colby as he’s on the phone.
The evening sky is clear, and the streets are quiet as I pull out of the parking garage and into traffic. Enjoying the leisurely drive home, my mood changes when I see a familiar car parked in front of my house. Glad to see Hope’s car gone, I try to hide my annoyance as I pull into the driveway.
Slamming my vehicle's door shut, I glare at Carla—my ex that won’t let go and pops up every now and again. Usually between boyfriends and in need of cash. We haven’t been together in over two years now, but she’s like a bad weed that just won’t go away.
“What do you want, Carla?” I snap, unlocking the door.
“Don’t be like that, Reed. Aren’t you glad to see me?” She purrs the words like we’re long-lost lovers. My menacing glower stops her from grabbing my arm like she was going to. “Can we talk, please?” A word I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say.
“Five minutes,” I bark as the door opens. “Stay here. Don’t wander. Don’t come in, and for fuck’s sake, don’t touch a damn thing.” Ignoring her dourness, I take the stairs two at a time to lock my weapon in the safe on my night table before changing shirts and rushing back downstairs.
“Three minutes left.”
“But you were upstairs and told me not to move,” she huffs out.
“Two and a half.”
Stomping her foot, she begins to talk as I go to the kitchen for a glass of water. “Braden and I broke up. He kicked me out.” I raise a brow. I don’t know why she thinks I care. “Can’t we just try again? We were so good together, Reed.” She puts on a pouty face that, once upon a time, I found sexy. Now she just looks like she’s got something in her eye.
“No. One minute.” I hear Hope’s car drive up, and I’m eager to get this viper out before Hope thinks there’s something going on.
“Please, Reed. I never stopped loving you, you know.” There’s a knock on the door before I can say anything.
“Time’s up. Leave.”
Carla lets out a little growl as she opens the door, and I realize what’s about to happen when she sees Hope standing there with takeout bags.
“Carla,” I hiss her name in warning.
“Oh, sweetie, you ordered dinner. How thoughtful.” Grabbing the bags from Hope’s hands as I’m taking giant steps to get to her, Carla shocks me as she grabs my shirt and plants a kiss on my lips while slamming the door in Hope’s disappointed face.
I shove Carla away, not caring when she stumbles, nearly falling. “You fucking bitch. You ever come near me again, and I’ll arrest you for harassment and whatever else I can think of. Get the fuck out!”
Her face pales as she drops the food on the floor and rushes to her car, speeding away like a bat out of hell.
Scrubbing a rough hand down my face, I take a few calming breaths before rushing to Hope’s door, already knowing she’s not going to answer me.
Hope
“You ready, Hope?” Dr. Marley Valentine’s excited voice as she places the ultrasound wand on my belly has me nodding my head. Today is a day I’ve been excited about since finding out I was pregnant. Learning the sex of the baby is far more emotional than I expected.
“Yeah.” I share her smile. I’ve seen Dr. Valentine three times since Leslie and Miles passed because sometimes the feelings are overwhelming. She spent a lot of time learning about my condition and the circumstances of the pregnancy before we even met at the recommendation from my previous OB/GYN.
“Heartbeat is strong. Everything looks wonderful. Growth is perfect. You’re doing a wonderful job.” She takes picture after picture, pointing out the baby’s body parts and tracing the spine.
I don’t know how, but I fall so deeply in love with this baby in that moment that I begin to cry.
“Hey, what’s this? Peanut is great; you’re perfect. Everything is just as it should be.”
“Except it's without Leslie and Miles,” I whisper, and her face softens. Compassion, maybe? Or pity. I get a lot of pity from people.
“I didn’t know them, but I know they would be proud and grateful. Hold onto that.” I nod my head because she’s right. “Now, I know the sex. Are you ready to hear it?”
Closing my eyes, I take a few seconds to gather myself before she reveals it. “I’m ready.”
As she hands me a tissue, a considerable grin crosses her face. “You’re going to be the proud mother of a little girl.” Stunned, I have no idea what to say or do. My heart is full of happiness, and I really wish I’d asked Luca to come to this appointment with me.