Page 111 of Cause of Action

“Anyway, it’s such a beautiful day out, and we wanted to spend part of it with you.”

I sat on the large blanket Roman spread out and laid Maddie down in her stroller, shielding her from the warm sun. Roman opened the picnic basket and pulled out the barbecue chicken sandwiches we had picked up from a new deli that had opened close to the house, along with macaroni salad and some fruit.

“Did your mom ever call you back?” Roman asked.

“No. It’s been a week.”

“I’m sorry, babe.”

“Don’t be.” I lightly smiled. “This is her. It’s what she does.”

He reached over and swiped his thumb over the corner of my mouth. “You had a piece of macaroni there.” A handsome smile crossed his lips.

Maddie started crying, so Roman took her from her stroller and held her.

I pulled my phone from my purse, held it up, and snapped a photo of them. He held her like a protective giant, his armscradling her, and his face filled with pure joy as he gazed down at her.

“Daddy’s got you, princess, and he’s never letting you go.”

Staring at them, my lips curved into a smile. My life was complete and filled with so much love that sometimes I felt l was dreaming.

His phone pinged, and he handed Maddie over to me. He pulled his phone out and looked at it.

“Shit,” he said.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s from Parker. Some new evidence was found in the Rigby case. Fuck.”

“Language in front of your daughter, Roman.”

“Sorry, babe. I have to get back to the office.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“You’re still on maternity leave,” he said.

“Doesn’t matter. I miss my work.” I smiled. “Let’s go.” I stood up and set Maddie in her stroller.

We headed to the office. As we were pushing the stroller down the hall, Julian headed toward us.

“What are you two doing here?” he asked.

“Parker said new evidence was found in the Rigby case, and it isn’t good.”

“Yeah, he told me. Something sounds fishy about that. Hey, you.” He leaned over and smiled at Maddie.

“Do me a favor and watch her while Morgan does her thing. Come on, babe.” Roman grabbed my hand.

“Wait!” Julian shouted. “I can’t keep an eye on her. I don’t like kids.”

“She’s your niece, douchebag!” Roman exclaimed as we headed to my office.

“I mean, she’s okay, but come on, bro! What do I do ifshe cries?”

“Figure it out!”

“I’m worried.” I glanced at Roman.

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