Page 53 of Crossing Lines

Full-sized laundry room

Living area with open concept floor plan; double sliding glass doors leading to a large outdoor porch and deck

Detached 2-car garage with covered walkway; access through the kitchen

Full-sized pool

Built-in outdoor kitchen with barbecue area

On paper it was perfect. That niggling feeling, or the inner brain voice, as Stel would call it, had me doubting that for some reason. I walked outside to the front and looked around the spacious yard. The nearest neighbor, an older couple that had been super friendly when opening this house up for us, was across the road to the left of this place. They were selling the home for their son who had taken a job in California. The house was only two years old but looked showroom ready. It had no signs of wear and tear. According to Mr. and Mrs. Kramer, their son and his family had been gone for about a month now.

It was as if it had been laid out in front of me. For her. Her dad’s house was a mile and half away. A smile tipped up the corner of my mouth. The front porch encompassed the entirety of the front of the house and around both sides, making a U-shape. I could imagine plants and rocking chairs on the front. We could sit out here and watch the kids play in the grass. Ormove to the back porch. I walked around the house to give the yard one last look. The trees were plentiful, so lots of shade to save us from the Texas heat.

I leaned a hip against the wall blocking off the barbecue area, my gaze moving from one amenity to the other. We had room for a picnic table under the trees, a table and chairs on the patio itself, and of course, a table in the barbecue area. We would have plenty of room for big family cookouts and holidays.

Moving here meant leaving my sister, my family. I wouldn’t be far away; fifteen minutes at best. In an emergency, it could be faster.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” AJ moved to stand beside me.

I took comfort in knowing she was okay. She would be okay. Chip was at the shop most of the time, if we weren’t out on a case. He’d protect her when I couldn’t. I looked over at her and smiled. “I think you’re right, it’s perfect.”

“Duh, dumbass.” She punched me in the arm, and I chuckled.

“Watch it, squirt.”

“You best watch yourself. I’ll let Diesel after you.”

Her grin grew as I narrowed my eyes. That was a threat no one should ever take lightly. I shook my head, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and walked back around to the front of the house where Mr. Kramer sat on the steps, waiting.

“My brother will take it,” AJ announced loudly.

The old man chuckled and got to his feet.

“What she said. It’s perfect.”

“The Missus will be so happy to hear that. You said you and your fiancée have a child?” He moved to stand before us, and I nodded.

“Yes, sir. We are in the process of adopting a little boy. He’s about 4 months old now. And expecting our own in about six and a half months.” My grin grew as I said that out loud.

“It will be nice to have little ones in the area again. Without our grandkids close by, it’s so quiet. My wife was a nurse until her knees got too bad to keep up with the pace. She misses the hustle and bustle. She likes to keep busy when she can. The grandkids were a good distraction for her.”

“Well, a nurse close by, even if she’s retired, could be handy.” AJ nodded.

“True. Thank you for sharing that with us. Stella, my fiancée, has a moderately large family, so there will be people in and out from time to time. I hope that isn’t a problem. They all have kids. It’s a bus full when they’re all together.” I laughed.

“And then some, but they are so dang cute. The Landry’s, McKenna’s, and Malone’s sure know how to make pretty babies.” My sister grinned wide as the old man looked at her.

“Did you say Malone?”

I gave my sister a worried look then nodded at him. “Yes, sir. My fiancée is Stella Malone. Wayne Malone’s daughter.”

“Well, I’ll be. The Malone’s built this house. They’re our ‘up the road’ neighbors. Though I guess you do know that already.” He chuckled. “Small towns, ya know.”

“Ah, yes. We—” I motioned between AJ and myself, “live just outside of Diboll, so I’m not all that familiar with everyone in this area yet.”

“Very well.” He turned at the sound of the gate opening. A woman came in. I assumed it was his wife. Her smile was bright as she joined us. “This is my wife, Martha Kramer. Sweetheart, this is Tracey Daniels and his sister AJ.”

“Very nice to meet you both. I’m sorry I wasn’t over here sooner. I was making you something sweet.” She held out a plate of baked goods that had my mouth watering.

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