Page 22 of Strip Search

With a nod, she climbs out of my truck. Before she shuts the door, I call her name one more time.

“I’m proud of how you handled things today, kid.” I give her a wink, knowing I’ve pissed her off with the ‘kid’ remark. It was a shit move, but I needed to put that space between us again. If I don’t, I’ll be following her inside and stripping her clothes off piece by piece.

“Whatever,” Molly grumbles as she slams the door and heads inside.

A man of my word, once I know she’s tucked safely inside – I make the trek over to Smitty’s house, but not before I call and let him know I’m bringing dinner too. Something I’ve done once a week since Jax has been born, much like I did when Gabby came into the world too.

Forty-five minutes later when I knock on the front door, I hear Gabby squeal and tiny footsteps followed closely behind even bigger footsteps, running for the door.

Smitty answers with Gabby giggling in his arms and a smile plastered on his face.

“This one, is a workout, man,” he says as he stands back to let me in while tickling Gabby’s belly.

“Trade you.” I set the bags down on the table in the entryway and put my hands out for Gabby who is all too happy to escape her daddy’s arms. She and Rhys may have a tight bond, but my Goddaughter loves me equally too.

I mean, she really should too – since I was almost responsible for delivering her. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but, fuck, I’ll never forgetthatphone call.

Half asleep at two in the morning when Zoey calls me, completely freaking out because her water broke and Smitty’s not answering his phone. In her state of panic, the woman totally forgot their plan of action for how to get in touch with him if he wasn’t answering.

First thing I did was hop in my truck and head over here. On the way, I called some buddies over at the PD and found out Smitty was responding to a call. For thirty minutes, I stood next to her bedside until Kelsey showed up. I sure as shit wasn’t going to leave her terrified and alone. Then, for another hour and a half, I stood outside her hospital room before Smitty finally walked in. I’m still not sure who was more excited to see his face, Zoey, or me.

“Jesus, are you about to remind me, once again, about how you almost brought Gabby into the world?” Smitty checks me with his elbow as we walk through the house and into his dining room. “You’ve got that terrified look in your eyes again. I swear, I would have thought you’d be over that by now.”

“Over what?” Zoey asks as she joins us with a sleeping Jax cradled in her arms.

“Over how he almost had to cut the cord with Gabby,” Smitty chuckles.

“You’re still not over that?” Zoey yawns and then apologizes for being tired.

I scrunch up my face and blow out a breath. “Pft, I do believe, you have a newborn. Exhaustion comes with the territory. As for Gabby’s birth, I’m way over it. Especially since you both made sure that didn’t happen with that little dude.” I nod to Jax.

They both laugh, letting me know, I’m not as convincing as I think I am. Ignoring them completely, I focus on wrangling Gabby into her high chair and pushing her up to the table instead. “Uncle Cole brought you something special,” I tease her as I sit down in the chair next to her.

There’s a local place not far from Smitty’s house that serves down-home meals, and my favorite little lady happens to love their grilled chicken and mixed veggies. It’s one of my go-to meals when I stop by. That and pizza because really, what kid doesn’t love pizza?

“D, do you want to put Jackson down for me while I put this milk in the freezer? Please.”

I watch the exchange between the two of them – the way Smitty smiles at her, the pure joy on his face as he takes Jax from her and kisses her forehead before walking away. And then, I feel the familiar pain in my chest. It’s the same problem, every time. I can see Molly and I sharing what they have. Just like that jealousy rears its little green head and I feel like a shit friend all over again – for coveting what Smitty and Zoey have worked hard for.

Choosing to ignore those feelings, as usual, I divert my attention and take the time to divvy up the take-out containers before opening Gabby’s and cutting up the chicken into tiny bites. I smile as I give her tiny pieces of the meat and her veggies that she eagerly eats before demanding “more” over and over. Her little squeaky voice gets me every time.

When I look up again, Smitty’s back, and he’s standing with his arms around Zoey. She’s sniffling and wiping at her eyes with her smart-ass husband smirks.

“What is it?” I ask, only mildly concerned by Zoey’s display of emotions.

“You’re...just...so good with her. You’d make a great dad.”

Fucking hell.“No. No, I would not, trust me. Nooope. Uh huh. No. I’m only good a this because she’s not mine. I can’t keep a plant alive, let alone a child. It’s why I don’t babysit, remember?”

Smitty runs his hands up and down Zoey’s arms to comfort her while she sighs.

“You’re wrong Cole. So, wrong. You’ll make a great husband and dad sometime,” she insists.

Thankfully, Smitty bails me out, this time. “Leave the man alone, honey, you keep taunting him, and he’ll wind up too sick to eat his dinner.”

Asshole. I flip him the finger and go back to paying attention to Gabby who’s just smacked my arm with her slobbery hand.

“More,” she pips at me.

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