Page 23 of Grim Justice

Chapter 8 Trish

“Mama.”

Creed crawled onto the couch between me and Grim, resting his head on my lap.

“What is it, baby?”

“I’m hot.”

My hand moved to his forehead, finding it warm. Too warm.

He had a fever.

“Aw, does anything hurt?”

“My mouth.” He opened it and pointed to his back teeth.

Grim reached for Creed. “Let me see, son.” After he looked inside, Grim frowned. “Looks like some swollen nubs in there.”

Creed’s eyes widened. “What are nubs?”

“Well, when you’re a big, strong, growing boy, your teeth get bigger too. They grow in, and sometimes it hurts a little,” Grim explained.

“I don’t like it.”

Grim’s lips twitched. “I don’t like to hurt either.” He ruffled Creed’s hair. “Why don’t we give you some Tylenol chewies, and you snuggle with Daddy? We can watch Cars.”

Creed loved the Cars movies, anything with cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Like his father, he was a gearhead.

After setting up my guys with snacks, drinks, and a blanket, I brought Creed Tylenol chewies. He loved the grape flavor. I planned to check in with the pediatrician, but I guessed Creed’s two-year molars were coming in. He kept sniffling, too, another sign that confirmed it. He always had a clear run when he was teething as a baby.

Grim had stretched out on our sofa. The big, inked biker barely fit across it but shared the space with our son.Creed snuggled beside him, propping Cuddles on Grim’s chest. Adorable.

I checked in with my sister, pausing in the doorway of the guest room. “Are you all packed?” I asked Faith. “Need any help?”

“Nope. This is the last of it.”

“I can’t believe you’re leaving already. This visit went by way too fast.”

“I know.” She shut her suitcase and zipped it up. “I’ll try to come back sooner. We shouldn’t go half a year before we see one another.”

“I agree.”

I helped her bring all the luggage into the living room. We set it by the door, finalizing the last of the details before we drove to the airport. She needed to leave soon, as her flight departed in two hours.

I turned to the couch, intending to tell Grim I’d be gone for a few hours, when I found him asleep. Creed clutched his bear to his chest, eyes closed. They looked so precious I had to get a picture. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and snapped a few photos.

Grim had become a wonderful, loving father to his son. I thought I couldn’t love him more until I saw how he cared for his child, was patient and understanding, and taught him about life with skills I could never imitate.

“Auntie Trish?”

I blinked, turning to Jessa. “Yeah, honey?”

“I’m going to miss you and Creed.”

“What about Uncle Dex?” Faith asked.

“He’s growly.”

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