Page 12 of Grim Justice

Keys jangled inside the lock on the apartment door, and I jolted awake on my feet in an instant. A bit disoriented, I realized I must have fallen asleep. One glance at my phone confirmed I had taken about an hour’s nap. I smoothed my clothes and walked toward the door as it opened.

My sister’s bright smile greeted me as Jessa rushed inside.

“Auntie Trish!”

“Hi, doll baby. Oh, wow! You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.”

Jessa beamed a grin. “Where’s Creed?”

“He’s napping.”

“Creed!” Jessa shouted, running toward his room.

“Jessa!” Faith admonished, but her little blonde twin had already run inside Creed’s room. Faith and her daughter looked so alike that it was like stepping back in time to see my sister at that age.

“It’s fine. He was due to wake up any minute.”

Faith held out her arms for a hug, and I nearly tackled her. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too. I’m glad you’re here.”

My sister planned to stay for two weeks—a perfect visit.

“Trish, I’m gonna run and pick up some pizzas. You all need anything?”

I hardly noticed Grim as he stood at the door, watching us. Of course, he was the one who unlocked it. “Salad mix and ranch.”

“What about you, Faith?”

“Anything zero sugar to drink. Milk for Jessa if you don’t have it.”

“Got it. I’ll pick up another gallon. Creed loves milk, too.” He strolled forward and popped a soft kiss on my lips. “Back in a few, beautiful. Leave the luggage. I’ll take care of it when I come back.”

“Thanks, babe.”

Faith had arrived with several suitcases, a carry-on bag, and her purse. It was no small task traveling with a child.

After Grim left, we settled on the couch. “How long is Jim on ship for this time?”

“Nine months. It’s so long. Jessa really misses him.”

“And you?” I couldn’t imagine taking that long of a break from Grim.

“I miss him too. But we make up for it when he’s home,” she laughed. “I’m pregnant. Just found out before he left.”

“Oh, wow! Congrats!” I tugged her into another hug as she laughed.

“I’m thrilled. Hoping it’s a boy this time.”

“Boys are wonderful. A handful, but fun. At least until they dig into their diaper.” I explained about the poo incident and the blowout to Faith, describing Grim’s reaction in detail.

“Oh my God,” she laughed, clutching her sides. “My cheeks hurt. That’s hysterical.”

“I swear he nearly got sick. Funniest thing ever,” I agreed.

“Jim has gagged before, too. He tries to act like it doesn’t faze him because he’s a Marine. Jessa just got out of that stage, and now we’ll dive back into it soon.”

We both dissolved into giggles.

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