Since retiring from sheriff I’ve been working with her full time and who knew an ex-seal, ex-sheriff turned baker would be in my cards but I love it. Working with my wife at her bakery is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I get to support and love her everyday.
“I guess you really meant it when you said not another day apart.” She told me one day after a particularly grueling day of catering for our new contract with the Shelby University.
“Damn straight there are certain perks.” I grinned dragging her into her little office in the back. She’d been six months pregnant and horny as hell all the time. I was more than happy to oblige her.
The doorbell chimes just as I give Hezekiah his pacifier. His swaddle form doesn’t move though. Hurrying over to the door I get ready to give whoever it is a few choice words to one of our extended family. Kandie sent out a text on the family thread about the days and times she was allowing folks to come visit. She’d gotten the idea from Easy, and Mimi, who had to put similar schedules in place with their new babies.
“Hey,” Joi says when I open the door.
“Hey,” I smile down at her. “Everything okay at the loft?” I ask, not sure why she’s come way out here when a call would have sufficed. She’s been living above the bakery for about a year, now that she’s on her own after the residential treatment she’s been undergoing at the Shelby mansion; now the Isabella Shelby & Vivienne Spencer-Love Women’s Center with Dr. Lockhart. Natalie had done a number on her for years and it’s taken her a while to come to terms with that. There were some dark days, and we almost lost her to her own demons, but she’s so much better now.
“Yeah,” she hedges, her eyes dart to the side. Immediately, my hackles raise when I realize she’s not alone. I don’t have a gun, but my bowie knife is strapped to my side. I shove out the door, pushing Joi out of the way to confront the person who’s obviously forced her here.
I don’t hesitate in shoving the small form into the side of my house. But that’s all I do. I stare down into my wife’s face. It takes me a minute. No longer. She says nothing, letting the realization settle over me. Aside from the slight difference in features with her dimples, not being as deep. She has one side of her head shaved with a cascade of curls falling to one side.
“Kerania?” The hoarse whisper doesn’t come from me but Kandie, who’s just stepped out of the house.
“Get your fucking hands off my wife. I’d hate to have to kill you, cousin.” My head jerks to the sound of the voice I never thought I ever hear again. I find myself looking into the molten silver gaze of the lost Shelby, Ananias.
(I know*giggles*)
