Page 20 of Crossing Lines

“What?” I raised a brow.

“If at all possible, never wake a pregnant woman. Let them sleep while they can.”

I laughed at the look on Jacks’ face. I punched him in the arm, playfully, of course. He was still in uniform, after all.

“Sounds like good advice.” I stretched again and stood when Dani Lynn and Derek came back out, the baby in his car seat. “I’m starving. Come on, woman, you have to feed me,” I pouted, going as far as to stick out my bottom lip.

“Jesus, I get enough of that look daily. Come on, I left Mama Jay and the church ladies in the kitchen, so I’m sure there will be plenty to eat.”

“Ugh, not those?—”

“Watch it. It’s just Mama J, Nanny T, Mrs. Nettie?—”

“Enough, enough. Just take me in. I need sustenance. And possibly…I will need to pee when we get there.” I shrugged when she chuckled. We made our way out of the building and to her SUV.

“Can you get your belt, or do you need help?” she asked me as she snapped the baby’s car seat into the base.

“I got it.” I pulled the belt out and maneuvered it, holding it with my chin against my shoulder until I could snap it into place. When it was in place, I let the strap go and yawned. “Am I tired because I’m tired, or is it the baby’s fault?”

“I’ve learned, and I’m not saying this is right to do, but blame the baby or the pregnancy on as much as you can. That way you’ll get a lot more pampering.” She chuckled.

“Damn, that’s savage. I like it.”

“In reality, your body is dealing with morning sickness, growing a fetus, and the stress of this morning didn’t help any. I was always tired when I was pregnant. Each time.”

“You were always pregnant so...” I laughed as she punched me gently in the arm.

“Careful, tramp, you’ll jostle your niece or nephew.” I held my bandaged hand over my belly.

“You’re a nut.” She laughed and shook her head. “That baby is going to be fine. Did you get your prenatal vitamins and things you’ll need yet?”

“Yes. Shelby brought a bag of meds, regular vitamins too. My iron and potassium were low. So I have that mess to deal with.”

“Welcome to being a real-life adult. It blows chunks some days, causes tears some days, and joy fills the rest.”

“I’m still not sure I’m ready,” I admitted. She gave my arm a light squeeze.

“Something you’ll learn, babe, none of us were ever really ready. Life happens when it’s ready. You can’t fight it, just hang on and enjoy the ride. The moment that baby is here, your life will completely change for the better. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“I think it’s already changed.” I smiled, looking back at the car seat behind us. I was going to rock this mom gig. I had to. Even though I was still scared, I couldn’t let the fear choke me and hold me back. I had to push past it. One day at a time. Icould do it. I simply reminded myself that Carter had come out alright. This was just round two for me.

Chapter 9

Tracey

We’d beenin the Sheriff's office a lot over the last few years, but today was the first time I’d felt uneasy.

It wasn’t Gabe’s fault. Nope, he was fine. It was the jackass in a suit propped up on the edge of his desk that I had a problem with. FBI Special Agent Monroe, from the Ohio field office, sat staring at Chip and me as if the world should be scared of him. I could give two shits about who he was or what he wanted.

I held my arm up, making it very obvious I was looking at my watch. We’d been in here for well over two hours now. My body aches were getting worse, especially sitting like this with my foot down on the ground and not elevated like it should be. All of this time, and still nothing had been accomplished. What a fucking joke.

“Do you have somewhere you’d rather be, Mr. Daniels?” His condescending tone made me grit my teeth. “Could something be more important?”

“Matter of fact I do.” I waved a hand over myself. “My bed. I’m tired. It’s been a few long days. I’m in pain, and my fiancée is out in the main area. I’m sure she’s waiting patiently to find out why I came home this morning looking like this. I assure you,it’s not how I left. So, yes, I’d say that was more important right now.”

“You’ve still not given us enough information on this case. I could hold you for a few days for further questioning, if you’d like.”

“You could try it. I’d almost say I dare you, but then I’d have to deal with knocking you out when I was set free. I’d rather just keep to myself, if you don’t mind. You’re not worth the time away from my girl.”

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