Page 45 of Unexpected Love

Chapter Fourteen

Joe

I tossed and turned all night. Every time I fell asleep, I dreamt of a raven-haired, blue-eyed little girl, and it ended the same way every time. I would be pushing her on the swing, and then she would just disappear.

I’m supposed to be over at Abby’s around lunch time to spend some time with Natalie. Dragging my ass out of bed, I grumpily step into the kitchen to make some coffee. I grab my phone off the charger and send my cousin Carrington a text.

Joe: Hey cuz. Are you home this morning? Can I come over and talk to you and Damien?

With twins at home, I’m not surprised that she answers almost immediately.

Carrington: Hey you! Of course you can. I’m surprised you haven’t wanted to talk sooner. We’ll see you soon?

I love my family.

Joe: Yeah let me shower and I’ll be there in thirty.

Carrington: Okay. Come hungry I’m making biscuits and gravy.

After showering, brushing my teeth, and throwing on a t-shirt and basketball shorts, I slip a ball cap on my head and grab my keys.

Pulling up in front of their home a short time later, I climb out of my car as Damien steps outside with their daughter Shay on his hip. It makes me want to laugh because he’s wearing a sleeveless tee, displaying his tattoo sleeves. He’s got gauges in his ears, and his hair is a Mohawk—looking like a bonafide badass and his daughter has two tiny pigtails sticking out of the top of her head and is wearing a pink onesie with ruffles on the butt.

I shake my head as I reach him. “You are a sight, brother.” He reaches out, taking my offered hand.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t even say it, I know.”

As soon as I walk through the door, I’m hit by the delicious smell coming from the kitchen. “Babe, Joe’s here.”

Carrington comes out to greet me with their son Ryder in her arms. “Hey, honey. Breakfast is just about ready, and then I’ll put the kids down for their nap so we can talk.”

“Thanks, Care Bear. I appreciate you guys taking the time.”

We make our way to the dining room, and I watch as they move like a well-oiled machine. In no time at all, they have both kids in their high chairs with food on their trays. I help Damien bring out the food and set it on the table.

With full plates, we begin to dig in. “How are things with the DEA?”

“Busy, but I’ve been talking to your boss about taking a detective job they’ve been bugging me about.” Damien was working undercover when he and Cari first met.

“What are you going to do?”

“Not sure yet, but some recent developments have me considering it.” I look between both of them.

“I’m pregnant.” I get up and pull Carrington into a hug.

“That’s great news. I’m so happy for you guys.” I let her go and then slap Damien on the back before taking my seat.

After breakfast, I help Damien clean up while Cari puts the kids down and closes the little gate, trapping them in the family room.

“I’ll sit with the kids while you guys talk,” Damien says. Cari kisses him, and then the two of us go sit on their back deck.

“How’s Chloe doing since the miscarriage?” she asks. “How are you doing?”

I take a deep breath. “She’s doing better. She has her moments, and I’m the same. How did you guys deal with it?”

“There’s no real correct way to deal with something like that. Mom and Dad were a great source of help while we dealt with it. I blamed myself at first—hell, Damien blamed himself too since I was unknowingly pregnant when all of that stuff went down at the strip club.” She takes a drink of her tea. “Logically, I knew that wasn’t the case, but you always feel like you need to put the blame somewhere.”

“I dreamt of a little girl last night, one that looked like Chloe. Is that normal?”

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