"So Ricco and I are going to meet Andy to go over the paperwork make sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed." Jo started to explain still looking apprehensive.
"And when Tanner wakes up, I'll get him dressed and meet you guys at Café Diem. Got it. Oh and use your car not my bike." Zane smirked at her. "I'm not completely incapable of taking care of a 9 month old."
"Maybe we should wait or we can wake him up." Jo bit her lip.
"Seriously? Never wake a sleeping infant if you don't have to and if you wait too much longer your brother will miss he flight. Go make sure all the legalities are taken care of. Tanner and I will be fine. Promise." Zane was exasperated, granted he didn't have much experience with kids but she was going to have to trust him. They would have Tanner for the next year and a half. She needed to let him help, unless of course she wanted to do everything by herself.
Jo still looked skeptical but acquiesced. "We will see you later." She leaned up and kissed him.
The siblings left but Jo kept looking back over her shoulder at her boyfriend. Zane waved at her and burst out laughing when she finally closed the door. He should be insulted that she didn't trust him with the kid. But he wasn't because well he kinda understood why. It's not like either of them had spent a ton of time around little kids. Well maybe Jenna.
Shaking his head he headed upstairs to check on the sleeping boy, yep still breathing. Grabbing the diaper bag he went back down to the kitchen to make a bottle. One thing he knew for sure was the kid would be hungry when he woke up.
After reading the instructions on the formula, twice, Zane successfully made the first of what he was sure was many bottles to come. As if on cue, a cry came from the upstairs bedroom. Zane picked up the bottle and diaper bag on his way upstairs.
"Hey there little man." Zane whispered lifting the small boy out of the bed. "Are you hungry? One things for sure, you're wet. Let's fix that."
Tanner stopped crying immediatly and smiled up at the older man. "I don't think I introduced myself last night since you were half asleep. I'm your soon to be Uncle Zane. Don't tell Aunt Jo yet, I kinda want to surprise her. Let's see about getting you some clean clothes and breakfast Ok?"
Zane quickly changed Tanner's diaper and managed to get the squirming kid into a clean outfit. He also found a bib in the bag and carried the kid downstairs while giving him a bottle.
"See, there was nothing for your Aunt to worry about. Fed, changed and clothed. Not bad if I do say so myself." After Tanner finished his breakfast, Zane packed the diaper bag and loaded Tanner into his car seat.
"Ready to make your big Eureka debut? I'm sure you'll be the talk of the town for a few days at least. Don't worry everyone here will love you and this is a pretty awesome place to live."
Luckily Jo had parked her car inside last night so it was warm when Zane clipped the carrier into the seat. It was only a short drive to the Café and if it wasn't for the baby Zane would have just walked. Sure it was a little chilly outside but Zane loved the chill this time of the year. Zane parked the car on Main Street.
"Hey Zane, where's Jo?" Carter asked after having spotted Zane coming out of the car.
"Oh she had to see Andy about something. Just personal business, nothing world ending" Zane added seeing the momentary flash of concern about the Head of Security needing to meet with the town deputy. "I was just bringing Tanner to meet her for breakfast."
Carter looked confused as Zane pointed to the car seat in the back of the car. "What did you do?" Carter demanded in a slightly exasperated expression.
Zane smirked "Ex girlfriend dropped him off last night. Told me it was my turn. Had no idea she even had a kid."
"What? A kid? You have a what? Jo didn't kill you?' Carter's face turned at least ten different shades of red.
Unable to control his laughter Zane couldn't keep a straight face. Lifting the carrier out of the car, Zane took pity on the older man. "Calm down Sheriff, this is Tanner Lupo, Jo's nephew. Her brother showed up late last night. I really should get this little guy inside before Jo shoots me."
Carter stepped out of the way and walked with them into Café Diem. "Well I just stopped by to pick up coffee for Allie and me. I'll see you guy's later." He said as the passed through the doorway. Vincent immediatly noticed the newcomers but the Sheriff deflected Vincent's questions as Zane and Tanner found a table. Zane had to field many more questions as he sat waiting. Although soon after Carter explained the identity of the child to Vincent word spread quickly and questions eased.
Deputy Andy was reading over the small pile of papers Jo had given him, eyes darting over each page.
"So they replaced you with a lawyer?" Ricco asked. "I thought we were just here for the notary."
"The man has an flair for details. His mind is like a computer." Jo kept a straight face. Ricco wasn't cleared to know all Eureka's secrets, so she gave herself creative license in explaining Andy.
"Everything looks to be in order and if you will just sign here." The deputy indicated a line on the paper. "The custodial reassignment will be complete. I will make sure copies of these are on file, both here at the Sheriff's Office and GD. I would also be happy to transfer young Mr. Lupo's medical records to Dr. Blake."
"Thank you Andy, you have been very helpful." Jo took the papers back.
"Oh Ms. Lupo you will remember that there are GD Forms 78-2a, 365-12c and 7-5d to establish your nephews clearance, residency and occupancy here in Eureka." Andy said his customary smile plastered on his face.
"Clearance?" Ricco raised an eyebrow.
"Military town, we keep a close eye on all our residents. Most of the forms are just a formality." Jo explained.
"And luckily the forms have to be approved by the Head of Global Dynamics and The town Sheriff." Andy said helpfully.
"Lucky for me I have an in with both of them. Andy can you please forward the correct forms to me and thanks again." Jo said standing to go.
"Anytime Ms. Lupo and it was a pleasure meet you Lt Colonel Lupo. Please come back and visit soon." Andy shook Ricco's hand and the Lupo siblings left the Sheriff's office.
"Is it just me or is he a little too happy? It's odd and creepy." Ricco asked as they walked down Main Street.
A small smile passed Jo's lips. "Andy is unique. Yes he's happy all the time but he really grows on you and he's very sweet. Plus if you think he's a little odd you should meet his girlfriend. SARAH is truly one of a kind."
"This whole town seems like it is odd, and one of a kind. I've only been here a few hours and I'm not really sure what to make of this place. I would have sworn I saw a kid on a hover board." Ricco shook his head.
"When you have more time I will give you a proper tour of the town. Your clearance is high enough. The town can be a little strange but there is no place I would rather be. Plus Vincent makes the best food you have ever tasted. Come on. I'll buy you breakfast.."
"So do you think this Zane guy is going to stick around? I mean I know these next 18 months are going to be hard. Do you think this guy will be around? I just want you and Tanner to be happy Josie."
As they entered the café Jo saw Zane sitting at a table with Fargo and Holly. He was blowing raspberries on Tanner's belly and the little boy was giggling up a storm. The sight made her smile. "Yeah I think he's going to stick around." They crossed to the table and Zane stood up to give her a hello kiss. Zane handed Tanner over to his dad and sat down wrapping an arm around Jo.
"Ricco I would like you to meet my friends Dr. Holly Marten and Dr. Douglas Fargo. Guys this is my brother Ricco."
While Fargo, Holly and Ricco made polite conversation, Jo leaned over to Zane and whispered. "Did you have any issues with him this morning?"
"No JoJo I didn't. Would you please stop worrying." Zane squeezed her shoulder.
Jo let out a deep breath. "Sorry it's just that I'm a little stressed out about this whole situation. Are you sure you're okay with all of this."
Zane stood pulling her along with him. "Can you guys excuse us for a minute?"
"Sure" Fargo and Ricco said at the same time. Zane pulled Jo outside and onto a bench near the Archimedes statue. "JoJo, I love you and having Tanner here isn't going to scare me off. You know that right?"
Closing her eyes she nodded. "I love you too, so much. It's just that we were just getting back on track and a baby is a lot to handle."
He tilted her chin up so she would look at him. "We can handle this together and we have plenty of friends who will help out." Pausing for a second he cupped her cheek with his hand. "Josefina, one day, hopefully very soon, I plan on marrying you and having a house full of kids. Tanner will be great practice and an opportunity to love and spoil our nephew. So please trust me."
A grin played at the corners of her mouth. "You know most girls like a proposal before their boyfriends start talking about having a houseful of kids."
"I thought I already proposed, back before 1947." He teased back.
"Worm hole humor isn't that a little beneath your usual style?"
"Ahh sorry I must be off my game… Seriously Jo, you are going to be a great mom. Don't doubt your ability to do this. I believe in you." Zane kissed her hand.
"How do you always know exactly what to say?" Jo smiled up at him.
'Because I am the world's greatest boyfriend" He offered.
Jo laughed "I'm sure that's it. We should head back inside before my big brother sends out a search party."
Zane started lead her back inside. "We don't want that, plus he needs to leave soon so we should go make sure everything is settled. It will be a while before we see him again."
Wrapping an arm around his waist, Jo looked up at him. "So about that proposal…"
Laughing he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "All in good time babe, I promise all in good time."
