On the way home Jamie called his father asking to meet with everyone at his childhood home figuring that was the best place for this meeting. As per regulation the Detectives drove them back to Brooklyn with Eddie and Jamie cuddling in the back.
"You did good kid, good luck with everything. If you ever need look us up in the 6-5," Polo told him as they pulled up to the house.
"Thanks, to both of you." Jamie gave a grateful nod at the Detectives assigned to keep him safe. From the beginning they kept a very careful over Jamie to make sure the kid followed through. Nights were spent staying up while Jamie expressed his nerves and regrets but always reassured by the Detectives.
Taking Eddie's hand Jamie led her to the house he grew up in taking a breath. "Nervous," she guessed.
"Yea. I know they'll have a million questions about what happened then our engagement. They're my family but I'm afraid what they'll say," Jamie admitted.
Eddie gave his hand a reassuring squeeze showing she was there too. Smiling at her knowing she was by his side Jamie led her in. Everyone else already arrived early anxious to hear what Jamie had to say.
"Hey, this is Officer..Eddie Janko she works with me in the twelth. "Jamie breathed in again with all eyes on him. Eddie squeezed his hand again a small reminder he wasn't alone.
Danny stood up and stared at them with narrow eyes wanting to know what was going on. "Why the hell did you disappear again huh? Tell us what's going on kid, you in trouble? Was Eddie with you? "
Jamie expected that from his big brother and couldn't help but smirk seeing Danny hasn't changed over the years. "It all started in my freshman year of law school. I was going back to the dorms after having dinner with some 1L classmates just a few blocks off campus. I was crossing over when I saw two guys beating another man before shooting him in the head. "
Frank sighed sad his young boy had to see that, one of the reasons his Mary never wanted Jamie to become a police officer.
"They saw me, threatened I'd be next if I went to the cops or testified against him. The next thing I know FBI hauls me out of my room for protection.." Jamie paused to take an uneven breath as everything came back to him. He was scared and unable to get in touch with his family.
Erin brought her hands up over her mouth , tears filling her eyes. Henry shook his head quietly at what happened to his grandson yet proud he did the right thing and testified. "I'm so sorry kid," Danny spoke softly sighing.
"I came back because Joe was killed to show you I was alive. That was a risk but I wanted you to see I was okay. The perps made bail and came back so I had to leave again until the trial. "
"Are you back for good now," Erin questioned softly. She faced her little brother hoping everything would be finished so he could stay with the family.
Jamie smiled at Eddie before turning back to his family. "That's the other news I wanted to share. Eddie and I have been going out since I started at the 12th. I..askedEddie to marry me, we're engaged."
Frank and Henry both raised their eyebrows shocked when they had no idea the two were dating. Not to mention the fact Jamie hadn't been working for the department long. "Well that's some good news congratulations," Henry spoke first wearing a broad smile, happy for his youngest grandson.
"The hell you mean your engaged? How long have you been in the department for kid? I'll answer that for you barely five months," Danny shot. He was incredulous a Reagan, his baby brother would propose to a woman he hardly knows.
"What I said Danny. Eddie has stayed by me through all this and I love her, want to start a life with her," Jamie smiled at Eddie.
"Give me more great grandkids," Henry added from his chair getting a laugh from Jamie and Eddie.
Jamie glanced at Eddie with a smirk a small told you so before clearing his throat. "We know it's soon but we feel that this is meant to be and we would really appreciate your support," Jamie eyed his big brother pleadingly.
"You're asking me to approve a marriage to someone you barely know, really kid? And you joined the department what about law school? Sorry Jamie I can't do that," Danny shook his head.
Jamie's eyes flinched hurt his brother wouldn't approve if that meant he was happy. "Danny, please.."
"I'm sorry kid but I'm not watching you get hurt because you rushed into something you thought you were ready for," Danny said softly. He hated the hurt in his brother's eyes, his baby brother but this was for his good.
Wordlessly Jamie nodded at Eddie saying nothing as he led her out. Frank sighed torn between the short dating period which lead to the engagement request and wanting to let his son figure it out so they could catch up, missing 10 years of his life.
Jamie didn't say a word the entire ride back to his apartment, flopping on the couch. "You okay," Eddie asked placing a hand around his shoulders guessing by the look on his face he wasn't.
"I can't believe Danny would do that, I'm his only brother left.." Jamie sighed not hiding his hurt feelings.
Eddie massaged his shoulders gently giving him time to let it out. "Give him time Jamie it's a shock. Your grandfather doesn't seem the type to let this go if it keeps his family apart. I know how much you want Danny there, just give it time okay?"
"Thanks Eddie," Jamie smiled grateful to have her by his side, feeling himself relax against touch only leaning forward for a kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer never breaking the kiss.
