Chapter 8

Jonah ran back into Eric's room, jumping on top of the bed releasing a shriek of laughter as Eric began to tickle him. His little hands pushed away as he kicked his feet to move his body backwards. Jonah burrowed himself away, hiding between the pillows at the top of Eric's bed. Eric chuckled, taking one look at his clothes and realized that he'd have to fold them again.

Surprisingly, he found that he wasn't the least bit irritated. Any other day he probably would have been. But the result was that he'd get to spend the next couple weeks with Ana and Jonah - and that was something that definitely brightened his mood.

Thinking about their kiss and moments of flirting - there was some other than his mood that was being brightened. He shook his head and turned back to the clothes, folding them away and putting them into the drawer neatly. His father was rather strict - loving and great, but also strict - when it came to his children. Jarvis Coulter ran a tight ship. Eric sighed as he thought about his Dad, remembering what he told Jonah earlier. He really missed his Dad.

His phone beeped on the top of his dresser. It was Ana, letting him know that dinner would be ready soon. While she cooked dinner, Eric decided to get dropped off at his house to shower and change his clothes. And of course, Jonah wanted to stay with him.

"Hey buddy," Eric turned around to face the bed. "Your mom said that dinner is almost ready."

"So, we're going back home," he kicked off the pillows and stood up on Eric's bed.

Home, Eric thought as he gave the boy a nod.

"Yes," he jumped a couple times, before landing very ungracefully on his butt. Both he and Eric laughed.

Eric turned to the closet and pulled out two dress shirts. "Which one do you think I should use tonight?" One of them was a dark blue, the other was a black shirt.

Jonah's nose scrunched up as he studied the shirts. His head going back and forth between the two before he pointed to the black one. "You used blue yesterday."

"Well, blue is part of my uniform," Eric replied as he put the blue shirt back and slipped on the black button-down.

Jonah hopped off the bed and walked towards Eric as they both stood in front of the mirror on the closet. "Why do you have clothes here, Daddy?"

This was another opportunity, Eric knew it. As much as he wanted to hang on to this little moment, to this little boy and to his wonderful mother, he knew it wasn't meant to be. He sighed before turning to face Jonah. Kneeling in front of him, he placed a hand on Jonah's shoulder. "Remember when I told you this morning that some daddies leave and don't come back?"

Jonah misunderstood and stepped back from him, causing Eric's hand to drop. "What about me and mommy? You don't want to come back to us?"

"I do, Jonah. I really do," he answered honestly. "But I," he sighed as Jonah's face fell. "I'm not the same person you think that I am."

There was a small silence in the room as Eric allowed Jonah to think it over. He knew that it would take a while for such a young person to understand. And he found that he didn't mind - he didn't mind it at all. Still, a part of him felt for this boy and his mother. It wasn't easy for him and his siblings after his father had passed away. His mother had done everything she could for them. After hearing Ana's story about her father, he could understand her a bit more. At the same time, what they had gone through - her and Ana - was different than what Jonah was going through. Ana and Eric were well into their teenage years or young adulthood by the time their father had passed. They knew what 'death' meant. How was he supposed to be able to relate that to a three-year-old?

"You said that you were leaving, too," Jonah lifted a hand and wiped his face, bringing Eric out of his musings.

"This morning," Eric replied. "You remembered that?"

Eric studied Jonah's face as Jonah gave him a brave nod.

"So, you don't live with me or mommy?"

"No, Jonah," he answered.

"Because you're not the same?"

"Do I look the same as I did before," Eric posed and then shook his head. "Wait, don't answer that," he held up one finger. His looks were similar to that of Eric Carter - they had to be if Jonah was so confused about it.

"You never did dress up for mommy before, I remember that," Jonah answered instead, which shocked Eric.

"Never?"

Jonah shook his head.

He took a minute to consider that. He had read Eric Carter's file - he was an outstanding police officer. He was damn good at his job, too. Eric Carter had been running undercover operations for a little over a decade. He knew his shit. But Eric wondered if his home life had suffered because of his job. A lot of officers worked overtime instead of spending time with their families.

You shouldn't be thinking ill of the dead, he shook his head and went to stand.

"Well, you and your mom are special to me," Eric started to grab his keys and wallet. "What do you say to getting her flowers?"

"Flowers," Jonah tilted his head.

He could only assume that Eric Carter had never brought Ana flowers either. He shook his head again before grabbing his phone to make a call. "When people are special to you, you do special things for them," Eric explained.

"Such as dressing up and getting flowers?"

"Such as dressing up and getting flowers," Eric repeated with a smile. His smile widened as he saw Jonah's little hands tap his shirt and then his shorts. "We can go and get you a nice shirt, too. As soon as..."

"Hello."

"Hi, is this Lieutenant Rossi?"

"This is his wife, Maddi," was the reply. "Ben is out back right now. Is it something important Sergeant or..."

"Well, it is important, but it's not job-related."

"Oh," she sounded intrigued.

"I remember him saying that you folks have a wonderful flower garden. And I'm a little short on cash at the moment. I'm going to use what I have to buy a nice shirt," he glanced at Jonah, "but I wanted to know, if it's not too much to ask, if we could have a small bunch of..."

"It's no problem," she answered as Eric heard her moving around through the phone. "Is this for Ana? I'm so glad that you're dating, Eric. You know I was telling my husband the other day that you've been here for two years and we haven't seen you so much as talk to someone of the opposite sex."

"We're not really dating," Eric tried to argue. "We're working some things out right now. But yes, the flowers are for Ana."

He felt uncomfortable speaking about his relationship with Ana in front of Jonah. Although Jonah appeared more concerned with dressing up. They'd have to stop at Walmart to see if there was a shirt that he could pick up for Jonah. The boy looked determined to dress up for dinner.

After picking up the flowers that Lieutenant Rossi's wife had arranged for them and buying Jonah a black shirt - because he had to match Eric - they were on their way to Ana's house. Eric had to admit that he was quite nervous about dinner. It was like he was going on an actual date. True, he had called Ana his date that night at the bar, but somehow this felt different.

He wiped his hands over his jeans and shook his head. He was just here for dinner last night. Perhaps it was the fact that he had kissed her - more than once. Why did he kiss her? Fuck, he was attracted to her that's why. He had never come across someone who had completely turned his entire world upside down and inside out in just a short amount of time - the same way that she did.

Jonah unbuckled himself and scurried backwards from Eric's truck. It was higher than Ana's SUV, so he could understand the boy wanting to climb down carefully. When he come around to the passenger side, he noticed Jonah smooth back his hair - he looked so much like Ana and her brothers.

"Do I look good," Jonah asked.

"You look perfect, buddy," Eric held out his hand as Jonah smiled proudly and took it.

They walked into Ana's house and immediately Eric was hit with a wonderful smell. Her head appeared in the kitchen doorway and she smiled at them. He wouldn't mind coming home after work to see that wonderful face and that sweet smile. She opened her arms for Jonah and he ran towards her.

"Don't you look handsome, my little man," she said as she peppered him with kisses.

Yeah, he was definitely going to ask her about 'dating' or putting some type of label to their relationship - or creating one - whatever was going on, he wanted to talk about it. She wore shorts and a relaxed shirt - obviously she dressed down - but Eric didn't mind it.

"What's the occasion," she pointed to the flowers.

Eric glanced at them and before he could answer, Jonah opened his mouth. "You and I are special. And Daddy said you do special things for people who are special to you." He couldn't have answered it perfectly any other way. Eric walked forward and placed a kiss on Ana's cheek.

"What he said," he nodded towards Jonah as Ana blushed and set her son down. He followed her into the kitchen and noticed that there were two other plates on the table. "We're having other people over?"

Ana put the vase in the middle of the table and sighed. "My brother Jack is coming over. Josh solicited his help," she shook her head, looking irritated.

"His help with what," Eric asked, stepping closer to her. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"I got a job," she answered.


Ana played with her fork, feeling her brother's stares. Usually the one that Josh called was Jensen. He lived the closest and was normally the one who could read her mind. But, Jack, she shook her head again. Eric had been introduced to Jack - and she could see the suspicion behind Jack's eyes. She wasn't in the mood to let him know just yet what was going on between her and Eric - or Eric and Jonah for that matter.

"You're really not going to eat," Jack asked her. "You're just going to stay mad with me?"

Eric fidgeted in the seat across from her. What sort of family argues when they have a guest over? Rhetorical question, because the answer obviously was that it was her family.

"You're forcing me..."

"I'm not forcing you to do anything," Jack replied.

She leaned forward towards him. "Why can't I go to work?"

"Someone needs to watch Jonah," he answered.

"And I asked Josh if he could do it for a couple nights - it's only a couple nights a week," she argued.

"You're going to be tired and work yourself to death," Jack stated plainly as though he already knew her future, what the outcome of everything would be.

"Five and a half hours, three nights a week," she shook her head. "It's a part time job. Honestly," she turned towards Josh. "If you couldn't watch Jonah, just say so. You didn't need to call Jack to come and bully me into staying home."

After dropping Eric and Jonah off at Eric's place, she had gone home to get dinner ready. In the middle of cooking, Johanna Reyes who was the owner of the best diner in Amity - Johanna's, called her up and said that one of her girls had just quit. Ana had spoken to Johanna when she went with Eric to the diner the night before last. Johanna was a good friend of her mother's. Now, she was repaying a debt - at least that's what she said.

"Your mother was like my sister, JoyAnna," Johanna spoke. "If there's ever anything you need..."

"Thank you, Johanna," she smiled at the older woman before leaning against the counter. "Does it normally get busy like this?" Ana looked at Eric to see him speaking with a few of the officers, Jonah on his side. She shook her head at the thought of the two of them appearing so at ease with one another. She had just met this man earlier today. Jonah had just met him. But what was it about Eric Coulter that made both her and Jonah feel so at ease in his presence?

"The officers usually hang out here in between their shifts," Johanna commented as Ana looked back at her. "Then of course, I get the regulars," she motioned around the diner. "A lot of the people here know your family, know your parents and your brothers."

"I know," she sighed. "I just haven't had time to get out much."

Johanna gave an understanding nod before pausing and glancing towards Jonah's direction. "Raising a young child is a lot of work. And, a lot of money," she looked at Ana. Ana nodded, standing taller - as if she was seeking approval from this person. "I know that you and your brothers fell on tough times. Again, if there's anything I can do," she paused and a smiled formed on her lips. "I might need help here a few nights."

"Oh, I don't know," she shook her head, uncertain about going to work. And then of course, she'd have to think about Jonah.

"Part-time and I give my girls a lot of benefits."

That did sound appealing. And what Johanna had said about her parents were true. Their family had fallen on tough times - it happened to the best of them, her father always said. The people in the community did their best to help them out, but it wasn't enough. And even now, her brothers were helping her, but she knew that it wouldn't last. She'd need something - some way to help support herself and Jonah - so that her brothers wouldn't have to worry about her. They shouldn't have to.

"The pay is not so bad, either. Think about it," Johanna encouraged. "You'll need that to help raise your young man over there," her hand waved in the air at Jonah. "You don't have to say anything now."

"Thanks Johanna, really," Ana smiled at her. "You're too kind."

"Well, your mama was a hard-working woman. I hope you know that," she patted Ana's hand comfortingly. Another comforting gesture that Ana had missed. She looked up and continued to smile. "She did a lot for me. Your father did a lot for me. And I never did repay them."

"They didn't do it with the hopes of..."

"I know, I know," Johanna took a step back. "But the offer is still there. Even if you want someone to just talk to, JoyAnna, you let me know. Anything," she waved her and somehow Ana knew that Johanna would keep her word.

And earlier this afternoon, she had received a call. The job was God-send. It really was. She had worked at the diner when she was in high school. It wasn't as busy back then, but Johanna was right. Ana knew the crowd.

She also thought a lot about how to contribute to assisting her brothers. Jonathan, Jordan and Jack - especially - were itching to get their parent's land back. It had belonged to the Summers family for generations and generations. But after their father died, it had been so hard to maintain. Then with them being still so young, they couldn't really make payments and the bank had swooped in like vultures. Anything she could do to help, she would.

And so, she asked Josh to watch Jonah the few nights she had to work. She'd be coming home a little past midnight, sure. But Josh could watch him for a few hours, right? Apparently, she was wrong.

"I still don't understand why you need a job," Josh leaned back in his chair.

"Because that's what responsible adults do, they get a job!"

"I don't see the problem with her getting a job," Eric interjected as Ana and her brothers looked at him.

Jack tilted his head, studying him. Something she had noticed that Josh would do sometimes, something Jonah was also doing. It was a Summers thing. "I don't see what you're doing here, dressed like you're courting my sister," she watched Jack eye Eric up and down. What did he think he was doing? She highly doubted that Jack could intimidate anyone - let alone Eric. "I still didn't get a clear answer as to why he's here?"

"This was a date and you interrupted it," she hotly replied before Eric could answer.

"Are you sleeping with my sister," Jack continued to eye him pointedly.

She slammed a hand down on the table. "Really?"

"She's young and I don't think..."

"I'm twenty-three."

"She's a mother..."

"He already knows that!"

"She's my sister and I don't..."

"That's hardly an argument."

"Jonah thinks Eric is his Daddy," Josh stated loudly enough in order to get her and Jack to back off from one another. Josh sighed as Jack turned towards him. There was a confused look on Jack's face. Ana really didn't want Jack to know. "Jonah saw Eric at the memorial fundraiser that we had for the fallen officers of the 'Bureau bombing'. The names sound somewhat similar and he believes that Eric is his Dad."

Jack looked towards her for confirmation. Ana simply shrugged and looked away. He turned to Eric and studied him again. "You look a little like him, but not a lot. Why didn't you just put the two of them next to one another? Get a picture or something," he asked Ana.

She hated it when her brothers made her feel inferior. "Don't you think we tried that, earlier? I even told him that Eric was just a nice man who looked like his father. But Jonah," she sighed and shook her head. She really didn't want to talk about this to Jack - to anyone else for that matter. "I think he wants so desperately to believe that his father came back. Don't we all wish our father came back," she said softly as she looked up at her brother.

His eyes softened from being accusatory to being understanding. He sighed and tapped the table - a gesture that told Ana he was thinking on the matter. Like all her brothers, Jack felt the loss of their father deeply. They were all so young, but Jack was one of the older boys - doing his damn best to provide for her, Jensen, Jordan and Josh.

He shook his head after a moment and she closed her eyes in frustration, turning away. It looked like she didn't move him that much.

"Why don't I watch him for Ana?"

The three of them looked up again. Ana locked eyes with Eric and saw that he was genuinely offering to babysit Jonah. She was both touched and irritated by the offer. One thing was certain, Jonah would love that Eric was going to be spending time with him. But how could she take such a generous offer? She didn't want to impose on him any longer. He already agreed to a dinner date for the next couple weeks, but this - this wasn't fair for him.

"Are you sure you're not sleeping with her," Jack questioned.

Feeling irritated and upset, she turned to her brother, about ready to berate him for not only accusing Eric of such a thing. "Not that it's any of your business what happens between two consenting adults, but I did not sleep with your sister," Eric stated as she felt a strong urge to climb over this table and kiss him senseless. He was showing authority while at the same time being respectful to her brother. She had never thought it was possible. He was sticking up for her. "I still don't understand why she can't get a job."

"Who's going to watch Jonah," Jack turned away from Eric and pinned her with his gaze this time. "You have a son you need to think about."

"Did no one hear my offer," Eric questioned.

"You want to talk about things we don't understand, what I don't understand is you being here," Jack replied as Ana huffed.

"We already explained it," she leaned forward to get her brother's attention. "Jonah saw Eric, heard his name and immediately believed that Eric is his Dad."

"This really shouldn't be so hard to decide," Eric added, his voice kind and firm. "If you're main argument about her working is who is going to watch Jonah, honestly I don't mind. If she needs to work, then she can work. This is a short-term solution. And perhaps in a couple weeks, we can revisit the idea of getting a sitter," he shrugged. "But I'm assuming the main concern is Jonah."

The main concern certainly was Jonah. She wanted to be able to provide for her son. He would be in need of clothes, shoes and other things. She couldn't go on living on her husband's insurance. It was disappearing, and she still hadn't informed her brothers - didn't want to. The money they made was for their parents' land. Of course, being a waitress at a diner/bar might not be the best solution, but like Eric stated it was short-term. She could fix things around the house, buy him nice clothes - like the shirt Eric had just gotten for him - and possibly put him in preschool. He was so smart, he deserved it.

"I don't think you'll get an argument from Jonah," she said, keeping her gaze on Eric. "And if you really don't mind..."

"I am absolutely sure," Eric replied.

Jack heaved an exaggerated sigh, leaning back in his seat and wiping his hand over his face. "I still don't feel good about this."

She didn't feel so good about it either. This was being done for Jonah. But she couldn't help but think that in a way, she was being a bit selfish, too - hanging on to Eric the way that she was.