by Barb Shuler
“She’s okay, but I think it’s time we head home. Taylor looks ready to face plant,” Jacks said.
“Tyler too,” Dani Lynn said as she came up and kissed Ryan on the cheek.
After everyone said their goodbyes and packed up their kids, we all headed back to our own homes, and to a peaceful night of calm and serenity. Though it was more like baby feedings and dirty diapers for most us.
24
What Goes Up…
Charlie
It had been two months now since our town had once again been rocked with chaos. We’d settled in, gotten used to having two babies, along with Kaitlyn and Colton, in the house and generally relaxed in the peacefulness. Our friends and family were doing the same. Things were almost back to normal. I liked days where we only had a few traffic stops, maybe a drunk and disorderly. If it was a rowdy night there would be a bar fight.
Today had been quiet… then the doors to the station opened and one very pissed off man came through. I saw Trace’s face morph to pure anger as I moved toward him. I’d only seen that look on his face a few times, and every one of those times included Stella, but I didn’t see her with him.
“Trace?” I questioned as one of the PD officers, Officer Rhodes, jerked a tall dirty blonde woman in his grip around like a rag doll. I knew this woman. What the hell happened?
“What's going on?” Gabe asked behind me. I moved to let him in front of me. There was another officer, one whose name slipped my mind, holding onto a big man, who was bleeding from a cut on his eye.
“Sheriff, we found these two out on Old Town Road fighting.” The Officer glanced at Trace as he spoke, who had his arms crossed over his chest, a scowl on his face.
“Dude, you're hurting me,” she said. The officer tightened his grip. I moved to stop Trace as he tried to intervene.
“Let her go,” Trace hissed.
“Amber Jaymes, what did you do?” I asked as I moved to take her from the officer. He resisted at first, but a glance at Gabe had him releasing her. I moved her to sit in the chair at my desk.
Damn, she was as tall as I was. I hadn't noticed that before. I shook my head and turned back as the other man tried to get free. He was cursing and saying nasty shit towards Amber Jaymes, who we all called AJ. Gabe moved before anyone else and grabbed the man by the collar. With the twist of his hand the man's words cut off.
“You'll watch your mouth. Now, sit and be quiet,” Gabe said shoving him down into a chair. “Get those cuffs off of her.”
“On it, Boss,” I said.
“Start talking, young lady,” Gabe leveled a look at AJ as he spoke. I gave her the once over. She had a handprint on her arm, another around her neck and a few bruises coming up in various places. What the actual fuck? I growled out a curse word as I unhooked her cuffs. I sent Shelby a text message asking her to come over and check AJ out, just in case.
“That rat,” she said, pointing at the man Gabe was standing by. “Called for a tow with a fake name. When I got there he jumped me. I fought back. Diesel- my dog, was stuck in the truck… or he’d be without his balls right now-”
“Or his face,” Trace muttered. AJ carried on like her brother hadn’t spoken.
“I-I tried to tell that prick,” she pointed at the officer who had brought her in before continuing, “that he was an angry ex, who has mental issues but he just told me to shut up, cuffed me and shoved me into a car.”
Gabe gave the officer a look that would melt an iceberg. The man had enough decency to look away.
Trace growled out something under his breath and I could all but see steam coming from his ears. My friend was beyond pissed off. “She has bruising on her arms and neck. I can clearly make out finger prints,” I said, my fingers flexing. Once again, I had to grab Trace’s arm to keep him in place.
“Shelby,” Gabe said as she came in, Kaitlyn in tow. It only took my wife a moment to move over to AJ.
We didn't see much of AJ, since she lived in the town over, but we all knew her. She was Trace’s baby sister and he was as protective of her as I was of Lana. He was doing one helluva job keeping his shit together right now. I’d been there, I got it.
“Tracey?” Gabe leveled a look at him. “How are you involved here?”
“She hit the panic button she carries on her key ring. I was at the bar with Stella on a case and I followed the locator to her,” he said, shrugging. “Those assholes were called as I headed out, knew y’all were busy. Didn't expect this shit, though.”
There was a snarling from the doorway and everyone looked towards it. Stella stood there with one big ass fucking dog. I swear it could have been a mini horse.
“Diesel! Heir!” AJ said, her voice crisp and full of command. The dog loped over to her, sat and didn't move. I snorted.
“What in the hell is that?” Drew asked. The tension in the room eased off.
“It's a dog, dumbass,” Trace said, smirking.
“Looks like a horse with paws…” Drew said, chuckling.
“Doggy!” Kaitlyn shrieked and ran towards him. I moved to grab her, but Trace grabbed my arm and with a soft “don’t” I didn't move. AJ gave the dog a command and he relaxed completely. Kaitlyn stopped beside AJ’s leg and looked between her and the dog.
“Don't let that kid around him. Sucker tried to take my head off.” The PD officer snapped. Everyone ignored him. If I knew anything, it was that any dog of the Daniels’ was well trained. I trusted AJ wouldn't let Kaitlyn be bitten.
“Hey, cutie patootie, you remember me?” AJ had bent over slightly and smiled at Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn’s head bobbed slightly as she chewed on her fingers. “This is Diesel, he's not gonna hurt you. You want to pet him?”
“Him no bides?” She asked her little face scrunched up. The dog towered over her, so I see why she was a little apprehensive.
“No, he won't bite you,” AJ said, emphasizing the you in that as she looked over and scowled at the PD Officer and the man in the chair. I watched, ready to snatch my kid back if I had to. I mean, I'm still her father, it's in my DNA to protect her.
Kaitlyn held her hand out and Diesel smelled her, his tail wagging behind him. I watched as AJ took Kaitlyn’s hand and laid it on his shoulder. With another whispered word the dog laid down. Kaitlyn sat beside him and patted his body. She was all grins.
“Okay, I want a full report of what was said and done. Officer Rhodes, I'll be speaking to the Chief as well,” Gabe said. He turned to Shelby, a brow raised.
“Bruising is bad, but nothing seems to be broken.”
“Good,” Gabe said as he turned to the man. “What do you have to say?”
“The bitch attacked me!” he snarled.
“Sheriff, you can pull the tape from my tow truck. I have a dash cam, for my own safety. Apparently, I need it cause these men are all idiots,” she grumbled and winced as Shelby gave her wrists a quick glance. I watched as the man's face went ashen. Busted.
A few hours later, the paperwork was filed, Derek had the camera memory from AJ’s tow truck uploaded and the man that attacked her was behind bars. He managed to rack up a few charges just in the time he was here, so he’d be arraigned tomorrow afternoon and then a trial date would be set.
Trace had taken AJ and Diesel back to her truck and promised to meet us all at the bar for drinks. Tonight was all about the celebrating!
As I walked into the bar with Shelby I kissed her head. This place seemed to be a little rougher now-a-days but thanks to Trace and I being a part of the “in crowd” with the people here we never had an issue. Plus, there were a lot of people who carried weapons in here, it wasn't a place to fuck with anyone at.
Tonight was all about having some good ole fashioned fun.
Shelby
Waking up to a screaming baby is bad enough, but to have two of them screaming at the top of their lungs… well, it's unnerving. Thankfully, Charlie always got up with me, no matter the hour. No matter how little sleep he had. As we sat in the rocking chairs overlooking
the night sky and the fields behind the house I smiled. In about eight month’s time we would have three screaming babies screaming at once. I sighed softly and kissed Hunter’s head.
Hours later everyone was cleaned up, dressed and ready for the work day to start. I carried one baby and a duffel bag to the SUV and climbed up to fasten little Mykayla into her seat. Charlie busied himself getting Hunter and Kaitlyn into their car seats while I stowed the duffel in the back. There was no cute little diaper bag for work days. No, I needed half the house, it seemed like. Even though Papa had most of what I needed, I had to be prepared.
“You’ll call me if you need anything?” Charlie asked me as he walked around and opened the driver's door for me. I stepped up on the running board and turned to face him. Grinning, I leaned down and kissed his lips.
“I will, but we’ll be fine. Lana will be there to help. Papa has given her a job at the front desk since Stella is not always here, and Jayna is at the center more and more. It’s a good way to earn her some extra money. A legit way, she says.”
“She doesn't like taking money for babysitting and helping you girls out. She says these are her nieces and nephews and it doesn't feel right. At least that was her last complaint when Pops asked why she wouldn't take the money I offered her,” Charlie said, making a face. I chuckled and kissed him again.
“She's growing up, is all. She's a good girl, and I think it'll be good to have her around. She has a level head, most days,” I said. I kissed him again and climbed up in the seat. When he shut the door I smiled.
“See you later, baby. I love you,” Charlie said.
“I love you, too. Be safe today.”
“Always.” Peeking in the back window he grinned at Kaitlyn. “Be good, lil’ bit. I love you.”
“Loves you, Daddy!!” she giggled and blew kisses as I started the SUV and slowly pulled down the drive.
In ten minutes our day would start and not slow down until we closed at five. I was already tired just thinking about the full schedule we had today. That wasn't to mention the possibilities of an emergency. You never could schedule those, they just randomly happen and you have to go with the flow.
I pulled up to Papa’s and smiled when I saw him on the back porch, a mug of coffee in hand and a grin on his face. He made his way to the SUV and helped me get the kids out. Both Mykayla and Hunter were sound asleep and Kaitlyn, though awake, was looking like a sleeping zombie. Anytime I wanted my kids to sleep, I just had to put them in the car. It was like sleeping pill.
“Morning, Sweet Pea,” Papa said with a kiss to my cheek.
“Hi Papa, you and Colt had breakfast yet?” I asked, as I did every morning.
“Yeah, Sweet Pea, we just finished. Colton is inside fixing Kaitlyn’s cereal for her. He's such a sweet boy. I'm glad he likes spending the night with his old Papa from time to time.”
“He loves you, Papa, that's why,” I said grinning. “We all do.”
The back door came open and Colten rushed out, a big grin on his face. “Morning, sissy!”
“Morning Colt.”
“Come on, Kaitlyn, breakfast is ready.” He took her by the hand and helped her up the stairs and inside. I looked at my watch as I came inside. His bus would be here in about twenty minutes for school.
“You have your homework, Colt? And your permission slip for the trip to the zoo?” I moved to lay Mykayla in one of the two bassinets Papa had in here for the twins.
“Yes and yes. I have two test papers for you to sign. They're in my folder. I got a ninety-five on one and a hundred on the other!” He grinned. I grabbed the folder out of his backpack and grinned.
“Great job, buddy. Here ya go,” I said as I signed them and slipped the folder back into his bag. “Okay, got your shoes? Did you brush your teeth?” He shook his head no. I playfully swatted his butt. “Go, hurry.”
Papa chuckled and I looked up, my brow raised. “You're a natural mother, Sweet Pea.”
“I learned from the best,” I said, grinning.
“I’ll take that,” he winked as he walked towards the front of the house when the bell on the front door jingled.
“Come on, baby girl, eat up. Your cereal will get soggy.”
“Mommy,” she said before chewing the mouthful she had. I knew what was coming. We did this every morning that Colt had school. It would end in tears and her standing with me at the drive waving at the bus as it pulled off. “I wants him not goes.”
“I know, baby, but he has to. You'll be going to school soon, too. Then you can see him sometimes during the day, okay?”
“No.” She shoved more cereal in her mouth and with a sigh I hurried to fix Colt’s lunch. He always wanted the same thing. A PB&J with no crust, a bag of cookies, a bag of pretzels and apple slices. He’d also want a bottle of water. He was easy to please, to say the least.
I zipped up his lunch bag - into which I slipped a few pieces of candy and a note saying “have a good day, love you” into his backpack and moved to the door with it.
“Colt..” I stopped when he appeared and grabbed his bag, throwing it on as he dashed for the door. We walked him out as usual and then the day officially started.
Epilogue
It's been six months since I found out I was pregnant again, and as I did the last time, I've kept active and possibly drove everyone bananas.
My ‘nesting’ instincts have kicked in and I swear my OCD makes it worse. The babies room is almost done, I just need to add the clothes and things into the dresser. Thank God the twins old clothes would work for the new arrival. I swear, we have enough onesies that this little one could wear a new one everyday for six months. Okay, so maybe only four months, but still.
As I folded the last of the baby blankets I walked down the hall to Hunter and Mykayla’s room and grinned seeing them both sound asleep in their cribs. My sweet little cherubs. I quietly put their blankets in the chest and moved across the hall to Kaitlyn’s room.
She was - as always - laid across her bed, her head hanging over the side and her feet dangling on the other side. I chuckled as I squatted down and shifted her around. Her whine of protest soon faded and I pulled the cover up over her again. I kissed her head and climbed back to my feet. There was one more load of laundry to fold before I could maybe get a nap in. Usually everyone slept for a few hours, I just hoped they'd do that today. I needed it. My butt was dragging and my back was killing me. All of this moving around was not having a good effect on my body today.
Moving outside with the basket of laundry under my arm I glanced over at the shed and then scanned the entire yard, as I always did. Charlie’s truck was parked inside with the back full of boxes. He and his dad had moved things out of the house - before Robert left on a week long getaway with Gabe and Wayne three days ago - so we could finish the new baby’s room, and those things were what would be taken to the center for Dani Lynn to use. There was an old desk under it all. I sighed and dropped the basket. Bending down I pulled one of the sheets out and flipped it out before me, and up over the clothesline.
I had one of the big comforters left to hang up, then I could nap… but that was when it happened. I flipped the spread up, and a gut wrenching pain shot through my abdomen and straight to my toes. I gasped and patted my pocket as I bent over, my eyes blinking back a wave of tears. Holy crap on a stick, I was in active labor. I didn’t remember my water breaking, but I guess it had at some point. I managed to get my cell out and hit the number to the station.
“Burke County Sheriff, how may I direct your call?”
“Anna. Get. Charlie,” I panted out. There was some ruckus going on in the background, but I couldn’t make out what it was. I grunted as I went down on one knee. I could hear Anna calling for Charlie, but he was taking too long.
“Shelby, he’s kind of in the middle-”
“I’m kind of in labor! I can’t fucking wait!” I snapped. Jesus, I was spending way too much time with Stella.
“Labor.. Oh shit. Hold on, She
lby,” she said in a rush.
“Shelby, baby, where are you?” Charlie’s rushed voice came out across the phone.
“Yard.. I can’t…” I was getting dizzy with the pains shooting through me. Labor sucked ass. Let me tell you.
“Fuck. Shelby, baby, hang on. We- I can't-”
There was a hiss across the phone like the receiver was being covered and I could hear the hushed talking in the background. Finally, I heard his voice again.
“I'm on my way, baby. Please, hold on for me,” he’d said, sounding breathless.
The line went dead and I cursed as I got to my feet. Deep breaths, in and out. If I didn't panic, it wouldn't be so bad. See. I could do this. Women had babies everyday. Plus, I’d done this before, twice even. I climbed the back steps, one by one but had to stop halfway up and bend over. My stomach was cramping and God help me, this little monster was coming. I could feel it.
“Shit. Your timing sucks, kid!” I grunted as I tried to push my ass up the stairs.
I made it inside and to the kitchen, then to the laundry room, panting like a cow on its tenth hour of pushing. I grabbed a stack of clean towels and slung them onto the floor before removing my pants. My t-shirt - which was an old t-shirt of Charlie’s - fell to my knees which kept me covered as I sat on the floor of the laundry room.
I heard the front door burst open and I called out to Charlie. Hopefully we didn’t wake the kids. I didn’t want Kaitlyn freaking out right now. I heard the thump of his boots as he ran to me. When he appeared in the doorway, I let the tears fall. He was here now, I could do this.
“Shelby, baby, the EMTs will be here in a minute. Just hold on, okay?” He knelt beside me and kissed my head. I pushed at his hand.
“C-catch… baby, coming…”
I was pushing already, my body was doing on its own what my mind hadn't caught up enough to do. I let my head fall back as I leaned back on my elbows, my feet pressing into the cold tile. How I had missed the signs of labor that were clear as day now, I don’t know. Jesus, this shit hurts!
