Page 25 of Gator

“That’s right, little man, tell her. You need her, too. You and me, we’re gonna make sure Mama is okay.” He lifted the baby from his carrier and raised him high as he let out a soft baby giggle. Holding him tightly, he kissed his chubby cheeks and felt the intense heat in his heart. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt before.

A mix of a fierce need to protect and love filled his soul, and he could barely catch his breath. Holding Joey in one arm, he pulled Dylan tighter and kissed her again. There was a knock at the door, and he turned and opened it, seeing his grandparents.

“Damn,” swallowed Nine. His grandmother had tears in her eyes, and he shook his head. “I never thought I’d see my grandson with a baby in his arms. It looks good on you.”

“Come on in, Grandpa.” They came in, and Nine immediately eyed the plate of cookies. Dylan smiled, looking up at the incredibly handsome man who looked very much like his grandson.

“Would you like a cookie?” she grinned. He looked back at Erin and shook his head, laughing.

“Once upon a time, my beautiful wife won me over with cookies and brownies,” he grinned. “Well, that and a few other things.” He took the whole cookie at once, moaning and shaking his head. He looked at Joey again and smiled.

“Would you like to hold him, Grandpa?” asked Gator.

“Hell yea.” Reaching for the boy, he lifted him in his arms and smiled at him. “Hello, Joey. My name is Joe. Not a coincidence, I guarantee you.” Erin nuzzled his side, stroking the baby’s soft cheek as he laughed at the bearded man.

“He’s beautiful, Dylan,” she said with tears in her eyes. “What made you name him Joey?”

“It’s actually Joe William. I felt like Joseph was too formal, but Joey seems right at this stage.”

“Did Gator tell you that my name is Joe, and his middle name is William?” smirked Nine.

“Yes, sir. He did. It’s quite a coincidence, although Mama Irene said that there is no such thing as coincidences. I’m starting to believe that,” she smiled.

“Well, we would love the opportunity to babysit any time you’re ready,” smiled Erin. “We haven’t had a little one in the house since Ian was a baby. I’ve still got the playpen ready in case someone needs it.”

“That would be wonderful,” smiled Dylan. “He’s at the daycare when I’m working during the day, and it’s been wonderful for him. I’ve never seen him happier. Maybe, I mean, if you want, Ian, maybe we could do a date night or something?” She blushed, and Nine and Erin both nodded at their grandson.

“Yea, Ian. Maybe you should do date night with Dylan,” smirked Nine.

“Grandpa, don’t make me say something offensive in front of Grandma.” They all chuckled, and Dylan relaxed. “I think that’s a great idea. Maybe Friday night?”

“Friday night it is,” said Nine. “We’ll come by and pick him up.”

“Actually, we’ll bring him out to the new island,” said Gator. “I want to see your new place and know that everything is okay out there.”

“It’s perfect, Ian,” smiled Erin. “We love it out there, and to be honest, even your grandfather has enjoyed having some time to himself. This was supposed to happen.”

“Well, I’m not sure if it was supposed to happen, but it did, and Matthew was prepared. Which begs the question, how? I mean, how did he know?” asked Gator. Nine laughed, still holding Joey as he tugged on his beard.

“I think you and I know that we’ll never get that answer. Why don’t you change out of your running gear, and we’ll meet you over at the cafeteria. Gumbo tonight. It’s gonna be a chilly one.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“President Bodwick, thank you for taking this meeting with me.”

“Aaron, how many times have I said that you don’t need to be formal with me? We’ve known one another for years. It’s just Michael or asshole in this office.” He smirked at the former Ranger, pointing to the sofa.

“Well, I’d hate for you to be recording all this and it leaks out during my campaign.”

“Your campaign is going well, isn’t it?” asked Bodwick.

“So far, but we’re hearing some rumors about threats during the debates. Someone claiming they’re going to blow the building or take shots at me.” Bodwick frowned, nodding his head.

“Any clue who it might be?”

“How long do I have to list all the terrorists I took out in the last twenty-five years?” he smirked. “No. No clue, but we’re going to move the venue and hopefully keep it a secret. I was just wondering if you’d heard anything.”

“Not a word, but I have some folks helping on the outside.” He stared at the other man, and he nodded.

---