*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*
Antonio was still spinning from the news that Voight had delivered. He knew that Billy Fraser hadn't been Josie's biological dad but he sure as hell didn't expect her biological dad to be his boss and a man he had put behind bars. He knew that Dixie didn't want Josie to know the truth, but they had been hiding behind lies and secrets for the last 15 years. He sighed. They were all spending the night at Josie's. They had decided that it would be easier for her to recover if she was in her own home. He looked at the dash clock. "Fuck." It was late. He hadn't had the chance to discuss much with her yet. He didn't know if she or Dixie were still up. He just prayed that all four kids were sound asleep. He parked his car in his own driveway and walked across the street to Josie's. He knocked on the door. He paced on the porch while waiting for someone to let him in. He didn't want to ring the bell and wake the whole house up. Finally, the door opened.
"Hey." Antonio smiled.
"Hey, yourself." Josie smiled back. "It took a long time. Everything okay?"
"Yeah… uh, I guess… is your mom still up?"
"No, she went to bed a while ago… she's jetlagged." Josie sighed. "The kids were a little harder to get to sleep, but all of them are out now… I've been waiting for you."
Antonio walked in the house. "Wow. You changed everything."
"It's kinda easy to do that when the original was blown to smithereens… plus remember, I hated that hospital white." She closed the door behind him.
"Is there somewhere private where we can talk?"
"The news that bad?" Josie arched an eyebrow.
"Not necessarily that bad… but it's… it's something." Antonio ran his hand through his hair.
"Let's go to my room. No one would question that."
"Jo, you sure you want to head straight there?"
"You planning on taking advantage of me, Antonio?"
"Well, no."
"Then, we can go to my room. We're adults, Antonio… we've got two kids already… two more on the way… you have two other children… come on… we've known each other a long time."
"Okay, lead the way." Antonio gestured.
Josie led him up the stairs and to her room. He noticed that the house was filled with colour and artwork. He recognized some of the art as Dominican art that he had grown up with. She opened the door at the end of the hall.
"Wow." He said as he walked in.
Josie closed the door. "Yep."
The room was a soft yellow colour with lavender trim. There was an orchid painting hanging over the bed and it screamed Josie.
"You definitely ditched the hospital thing."
"I hate white… to this day, I will not have white in my home." Josie sat on the bed. "So, what did Hank have to say?"
Antonio was pacing. "Um… I'm not sure… well… your mom doesn't want you knowing." He stumbled over what he was trying to say.
Josie crossed her arms. She had ditched the sling. It had been driving her nuts. "Antonio, we promised that in giving us another shot, we wouldn't have any more secrets."
"I know." Antonio sighed. "But, this… this is huge."
"Is Mama dying?"
"No… but I will be dead."
"Antonio, enough with the riddles. Come, sit. Talk to me."
Antonio sat next to her. It was then that Jes noticed a black eye forming.
"Antonio, what the hell did he do?" She gently touched his cheek.
"He clocked me."
"I can see that. Why?"
Antonio groaned. "Because I got you pregnant."
"Seriously? I'm 33… I already have a set of twins, and I was consenting."
"Oh, he's not pissed about me getting you pregnant this time… it was from when I got you pregnant with Xavier and Zoë."
"What?!" Josie exclaimed. "What business is it of his? He was just my dad's partner."
"Uh, that's where this gets complicated."
Josie groaned. "Antonio, I'M going to deck you if you don't tell me what the hell is going on."
"Jo, Dixie knows exactly who your real father is… she's been lying all these years because she didn't want to ruin his marriage."
"What?"
"She made herself out to be a slut to protect your real dad… he… Voight… Voight is your father."
Josie's jaw dropped. "What!?"
"Yeah… that's pretty much what I said… uh… he said that your mom would rather make it seem like she slept around than tell the truth."
"What exactly is the truth?" Josie asked.
"She walked in on Billy with a CI… misinterpreted what was going on… I guess she thought that he was cheating on her… So she called Hank, got handsy… he didn't say no, and she didn't ask him to stop… it was one time, because they had agreed what had happened was a mistake and it would never happen again… Your mom introduced him to Camille. Then Billy and Dixie got married right after they found out your mom was pregnant."
"So, Mama made herself out to be a tramp to protect Hank?"
"When you guys got back here, and you found out that Billy wasn't your dad… Dixie wanted to tell Voight, but Camille was sick, and Justin was still young, so she lied to protect them."
"Why would she do that?" Josie was confused. "Didn't Hank have the right… to know?"
"She didn't want to ruin his marriage… or his career."
"So she just let everyone, including me, think she was a tramp?"
Antonio nodded. "Yeah, I guess. I just don't know… look, he'd like to be in your life as your dad, know the kids…"
"So he hit you because you knocked me up when I was 17?" Josie gently touched the bruise that was forming.
"Yeah… look, Jo… he said your mom didn't want you to know now, because of the stress."
"I think I can handle more than that." Josie said.
"She was worried about the twins."
"I'm fine, they're fine… look, I had the right to know too."
"Well, turns out that twins run on both sides of your family." Antonio touched her cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"About this news bomb or in general?"
"General… I think you need time to process the news."
"I'm doing okay. The sling was driving my bonkers, so I took it off. I've been icing my shoulder and doing what I was told to by the doctors."
"The babies?"
"Are fine, Antonio. They're active, but so were Xavier and Zoë." Josie rubbed her belly. "So, what do you think of all this?"
"What do I think of my boss being your dad?" Antonio asked.
"Yeah." Josie nodded.
"It scares the fuck out of me, Jo… I put the man behind bars because he was harassing a firefighter for being honest… he's been known to take bribes and a whole lot of other shit."
"So, my dad's a dirty cop?"
"That's not what I meant, Josie… you've been in the CPD for the last what… 8 years?"
"Yeah, just about…"
"You didn't hear the rumours?"
"Antonio, I tend to ignore the rumour mill… I used to be a big part of it, so I want nothing to do with it. Do you think he's dirty?"
"I don't know what to think anymore. He's changed since he got outta Statesville."
"People do change, Antonio… we did."
"We didn't break any laws."
"No, but we matured, raised our respective families to our own beliefs and principles."
"Jo, come on."
"If he's my dad… does this mean I can't make the move to Intelligence?"
"No, actually… he still wants you… bad… I told him I'm not overly a fan, but I can't stop you because you're a grown woman who's always been independent."
"What did he say to that?"
"He said that he wants you because you're a great detective… he doesn't care that we're seeing each other… he's not going to play favourites because you're his daughter. I did tell him that if you did join, he can't baby you… you're a cop first."
"Wow, you're totally okay with me being in Intelligence now?"
"Not really, but I can't stop you, Jo. You're a great detective… we've heard it everywhere… Jules doesn't stop talking about you… though, I kinda feel hurt that you both cheated on me with each other as partners."
"The Ivory Tower played that card, not us." Josie answered. "Can we work together… and not bring the relationship into it?"
"I hope so… I think I can."
"I really want to be up there. Intelligence is the top of the CPD… They get the hardest criminals off the streets."
"It's also one of the more dangerous units… just promise me… if you do come up… you'll be extra careful."
"Is this because I'm a mom or because you love me?"
"Both, and because I know how determined you are, you go above and beyond for everything."
"What about his son, Justin… how's he going to react to having a big sister?"
"He'll tell him when the time is right… look, I think right now, we have a lot of things to process."
"Antonio, I'm not going anywhere."
"I know that, Jo."
"Then, how 'bout we get some sleep, and we can keep talking about this in the morning."
Antonio got off the bed and headed for the door.
Josie grabbed his hand. "Where on Earth do you think you're going?"
"Guest room… or couch?" Antonio answered.
"Antonio… we've made 4 kids… we're adults, I think we can sleep in the same bed."
"Jo."
"Antonio, please… I haven't had a decent night sleep since the last time we were together…"
"You mean you haven't slept properly in almost 5 months?"
Jo nodded. "Yeah, and before that, the last good sleep I had what December 23, 1997… I've only had nightmares… and worry… I don't normally sleep more than 4 hours a night."
"Jo, babe, that's not healthy."
"Thank you, Dr. Dawson."
Antonio laughed. "I guess I deserve that… you sure you want me to sleep here? I can sleep on the floor."
"Antonio, I want to feel your arms around me."
"I'm scared I'd hurt you."
"Antonio, I've spent over a week in a hospital bed… the doctor's said I'm okay to be held or touched… I'm not going to break."
"Okay." Antonio smiled.
"Can you help me change?"
"Jo, now you're tempting the fates."
"Antonio, I'm not sleeping in this… and you're not coming to bed in jeans either."
"I'm not going to win, am I?"
Josie shook her head. "Nope." The 'p' really popped.
"Okay." Antonio turned around and helped Jes get out of her clothes and put on a long t-shirt. He couldn't help but admire the change that had happened 15 years ago, and how her body was changing now. He could still replay that night from 5 months ago in his head. Her body was changing now, but it was still her. "Josie…" His breath hitched.
She smiled. "That's much better. You can change."
"You randomly keep a spare change of clothes for me here?"
"No, but it's not like we haven't seen each other without clothes on."
"Josie, I'm not sleeping buck naked in your bed on the first night you're out of the hospital… with 4 teenagers across the hall… and your mother."
"Mom is in the suite in my basement… I took a page out of your parents' book. I'm not wanting sex, Antonio… I want you to hold me. Please." She batted her eyes at him while pleading.
"Okay." Antonio put his badge and gun on the dresser. He undid his belt and jeans, letting them drop to the floor. He pulled his shirt off and dropped it on top of his jeans. His socks quickly joined the pile. "Bed?"
Josie was speechless. She remembered the way he looked when they first got together. He had changed. It was probably because of his boxing and the amount of physical work needed in his UC work. His body was firmer now. He had a very defined 6-pack now. She couldn't help but notice the tattoos on his arms. She hadn't noticed them that night. His arms were ripped. She walked over to him and let her hands wander. This wasn't a sexual experience. This was rediscovering who he was.
"Jo." Antonio's voice cracked. "Babe."
"I… I haven't fully seen you… you've changed."
"It's been 15 years… since we…"
"What about when we made these babies?"
"Neither of us knew who the other really was… and neither of us really spent any time looking to see if the other was familiar." Antonio answered.
Josie nodded. "Yeah… um… you have tattoos."
Antonio looked at his arms. "Uh, yeah… the first one…" He flexed his bicep. "Is Eva's birthday… July 5, 2000… and this is Diego, when he was a baby… he always used to tell me 'You're the Best'."
"Wow." Josie said. She didn't know if he could see the hurt in her eyes. She knew it wasn't his fault and she wasn't going to ask him to go and get another tattoo, just because he had older children, but it still hurt that her children with him weren't there.
"You're upset." Antonio pushed a stray hair from her eyes. "I can see it."
"I kind of am… Xavier and Zoë don't have anything like that… and it's not your fault… it's not mine… and it just sucks that you haven't been there for them like you have for Eva and Diego." She hung her head.
Antonio lifted her chin. "Jo, none of this changes anything… all that this does is make me see how much work I have to do to bring our families together. To make one family together."
"I missed you, Antonio… every day for the last almost 16 years. I never stopped thinking about you… what we should've been… I dreamt that I'd finally get to be with you again… then what happened with Laura… that dream changed… I prayed that you could at least get to know your children… now here we are." She put her hands on her stomach. "Two sets of twins and a very confusing relationship later… your kids, our kids… now we all have to adjust because certain people couldn't just leave well enough alone."
"Josie, I'm not going anywhere… If I could, I'd marry you right this second… but I'm pretty sure that your parents will kill me, my parents would kill me… the kids… would kill us."
"So, no hopping on a plane to Vegas right now?" Josie's eyes twinkled.
"Are you saying you'd marry me right now?"
"Do you really think I need a lot of time to figure out how I feel about you? About us?"
"I don't know… Jo… after 15 years, most people can't just go back…"
"We're not most people, Antonio. I've wanted to spend my life with you since… I don't know when." She touched his cheek.
"What about the traditional wedding you've always wanted… the one I know you wanted when we started talking about that all those years ago?"
"Why can't we do a simple version? Just our families and a few friends."
"You're serious?"
Josie nodded. "I've never been more serious in my life. We can talk to a priest or a justice of the peace, whoever… get our license and get married."
"Don't weddings take forever to plan?"
"No, they don't have to. I don't need the poufy, white princess gown… I'm not a virgin… so there's no sense pretending. We don't need anything but our families."
"When do you want to do this?" Antonio's heart was racing. He vaguely remembered wedding planning with Laura and that had been a nightmare.
"Why not this coming weekend? I'll be healed enough; it gives us time to get things in order."
"Your mom and Zoë will be back in Paris." Antonio pointed out.
"Shit." Josie had had a momentary loss of memory.
"They'll be back in three weeks."
"I'll be three weeks bigger." Josie said.
"So?"
"What do you think the kids will say?"
Antonio sighed. "I don't know… but it's better to find out now then just spring it on them."
"Then… I guess we talk to them in the morning… wait… are you going to have to ask my mother… or father's permission?"
"Billy… I had asked Billy that day… I got it once, I'm not asking for it again." Antonio grinned. He put his arms around her. "Wrap your arms around my neck."
"Why?" Josie asked.
"Just, trust me."
Josie wrapped her arms around his neck and he carefully swept her into his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her down. He turned off the lights and went to lie next to her. "I love you, Josie." He whispered. "I mean that."
"I love you too, Antonio… I never stopped." She rolled over and gently kissed his lips.
For close to 16 years, they'd been forced to live a lie. For close to 16 years, they'd been torn apart. In a matter of a couple weeks, they had been brought back together. It truly did seem like nothing had really changed in that time. Their bond was stronger than time. Their chemistry was undeniable. No matter what anyone else had to say, Antonio and Josie were meant to be together, and this time, the universe wasn't going to stop them. Antonio wrapped his arms around her like he used to and held her close. Josie nestled her head on his chest and the two fell asleep. They slept as if they hadn't slept in years.
*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*
Josie woke up the next morning and actually felt refreshed. She looked up and saw Antonio was still there. It hadn't been a dream. "Thank God." She whispered.
"I already do." Antonio whispered back.
"Are you awake?" Josie asked.
"Yeah, I get up at 5 every morning, even on my days off." Antonio smiled. "I didn't want to move though… I forgot how beautiful you are when you sleep."
Josie blushed. "You don't have to suck up to me, Antonio… I'm yours."
Antonio kissed her. Neither of them could deny the physical attraction they shared or how their bodies were reacting to this. Josie deepened the kiss. Her hands began to trail down his chest. Her hands were millimetres from his waistband when there was a knock on the door.
"Mama?" Zoë's voice came from the other side of the door.
"Damn it." Josie muttered. She cleared her throat. "Yes, Zoë?"
"Are you up?"
"I wouldn't be answering you if I weren't up."
Zoë laughed nervously. "Is, uh… is Dad with… with you?"
"Yes." Josie answered.
"Oh. Um… should I start breakfast?"
"Sure, Zoë." Antonio said. "And the others with you can help you make it."
There was a scamper of feet heading down the stairs.
"How did you know the other kids were there?" Josie asked.
"It's a trick Eva does at home all the time… Diego's always there."
"Ah, I guess it's something I need to learn… having more than one child around at a time." Josie sighed. "I guess we should shower and get dressed."
"I guess we should… I also think we should talk about… our discussion last night."
"You think I forgot what you said." Josie tapped his chin.
"I doubt that. You have a perfect memory." Antonio kissed her finger. "I just don't want everybody jumping down your throat because we're moving too fast."
"Antonio, aren't we the ones to judge if it's going too fast? We're the ones who know what's best for our families… If you want to wait, I'll wait… if you want to do this today, I'll do it today. I don't want to have to live without you another day."
"Hey, Jo, I know that. I just want to make sure you are up to this… considering everything…"
"Antonio, just help me shower so we can go tell our kids… then we'll get everything else going."
"Okay." Antonio grinned. He lifted her off the bed and carried her to the shower. He pulled off her t-shirt and tossed it in the clothes hamper. It was quickly followed by her underwear. "You're beautiful."
"I'm covered in bruises, Antonio."
"You could be wearing a garbage bag and you'd still be beautiful." He ran his hands through her hair, pulling him towards her. He leaned down and kissed her.
Josie moaned softly as she could feel goosebumps cover her skin. Her hands went to the waist band of his boxer briefs. She pushed herself closer to him and pulled them down.
"Josie." He said. "Are… are…"
"Am I sure?" She reached for him. She gently stroked him, feeling him grow in her hand. "Yes, Antonio… I'm sure."
He grabbed her and lifted her to the counter, kissing her lips and tracing kisses down her neck and jaw. "God, Josie… you're going to be the death of me."
"Uh, nope… you're… oh… you're not dying anytime soon." She pulled him closer. "Antonio, please… I'm the one dying here."
"Well, we can't have that." He gently spread her legs. "Hold on to me."
Josie didn't hesitate. She wrapped her arms around him and pushed her hips upwards. She moaned as he filled her. Antonio had to fight to hold on. Her warmth and tightness just clung to him and almost pushed him over the edge.
"Oh, Jo…" He slowly thrust.
"Antonio… oh… yes!" Josie's nails dug into his back.
Antonio upped the tempo. Soon, they were collapsed against the counter, their breathing ragged.
"Okay… now I think…" Antonio worked to catch his breath. "We both need to shower."
Josie nodded. "Mhmm."
*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*
"What is taking them so long?" Eva asked as she counted out utensils.
Xavier was putting in the leaves for the table to be full sized with Diego. "I don't think we want to know." He whispered.
Eva cringed. "Okay then." She handed Diego the cutlery and turned to Zoë. "What can I do now?"
"You can help me cut up some of the fruit." Zoë smiled. She was happy that she could share this with someone. Her mom and grandma had always been supportive of her in the kitchen, but they didn't always have the chance to be with her.
"Okay!" Eva took a cutting board from under the sink. She followed every instruction Zoë gave her. "So, you're going to be gone for three weeks?"
Zoë nodded. "Yeah, but I'll be back and I may decide to stick around here for the rest of high school."
"Really?" Eva was slicing strawberries. "Don't you like Paris?"
"Oh, I do, but I also have family here… I know that you like to cook and I don't always get to cook with other people, so I think I'd like to stay here and really get to know you and Diego… make it so we can all be a family."
"Wow." Eva blushed. "You guys don't, like… hate us… you know…"
"No, Eva." Xavier reappeared in the kitchen. "Are we a little jealous that you've gotten to spend time with Dad, yeah… but you guys are our siblings… we want to be a family… but we're not going to push you guys."
"What's to push?" Diego took the plates off the counter. "Josie is nice; you guys are nice… Dad's happy… I say that's a family."
Eva wasn't as enthusiastic as her little brother. "I guess."
"You're still worried, aren't you?" Zoë asked as she put the fruit onto a platter.
"A little bit." Eva sighed. "Josie is really nice, and I will give her a chance… I'm just scared that I'll forget my mom."
"Eva, I don't want to take your mom's place." Josie whispered.
The four kids jumped.
"Sorry. Didn't want to interrupt the bonding." Josie and Antonio came into the kitchen. "Eva, I know how much you love your mom, and I know… I know that it's hard to see your dad with someone other than her… but sweetheart, I don't want to replace her. I would love for us to be a family, but I don't ever expect you to call me 'Mom' or anything, and that's okay."
"I don't want you to think… that I don't want my dad to be happy." Eva stammered.
Antonio went over to her and hugged her. "Eva, we know that… and I know this is really hard. You're going to need time to adjust, that's okay. I love you and Diego and Josie and I can wait for everyone to be okay with this, but Josie and I have been talking about what we'd like for all of us."
The four kids looked to each other. In unison, they asked. "What does that mean?"
"We'll explain it over breakfast." Josie smiled. "Where's Mimi?"
"She hasn't come up yet." Xavier said. "We were going to ask if we should go wake her."
"I'll go." Josie said. "You guys visit with your dad. I'll be right back."
Josie left the kitchen and headed to the doorway that led to the basement suite. She quietly went down the stairs. She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She pushed the door open and saw that her mother's keys were still on the hook and her purse was hanging on the coat rack. She also noticed a pair of men's boots next to her mother's. "What the…? She looked around. "Mama?"
There was no answer. Josie carefully looked around. There was no sign of her mother in the living space or kitchen of her suite. There was noise coming from the bathroom. Josie sat on the couch and quietly waited for her mother to come out.
Meanwhile…
"Did you hear something?" Dixie asked as she turned off the tap.
"No."
"Hmm." Dixie slid the shower door open and pulled two towels from the towel rod. "Here."
"Thanks." He toweled himself off. "Think they noticed I came in last night?"
"I doubt it. You came in the back; no one would be really watching there. Plus, Josie should've been asleep and the kids too."
They toweled off and got dressed.
"Shit."
"What is it?"
"My shirt's on the floor in your living room."
"Well, go get it." Dixie laughed. "Then, I'll sneak you out."
He grinned. "You haven't really changed, have you?"
"I may be a little bit older, but I'm not a nun." She lightly smacked his arm. "Go on."
Josie's jaw dropped as she saw Hank Voight emerge from her mother's bathroom wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. "Uh, Sergeant?"
Hank froze in his tracks. "Uh… Josie."
"What are you doing in Mama's bathroom?" She asked.
"Uh… um… Dixie?" Hank called to her.
Dixie appeared. "Hank, what is… Oh shit."
"Hi Mama." Josie was tapping her foot on the floor. "Care to explain?"
"Um… no?" Dixie answered.
"Too bad. My house, remember? I want to know why my future boss… my biological father… is coming out of your bathroom, half dressed?"
"What did you say?" Dixie's jaw dropped.
"I know he's my real dad."
"How?" Dixie looked between her daughter and Hank. "Did you?"
"I didn't tell her."
"No, Antonio did… After Hank took a swing at him last night."
"Hank!" Dixie turned to him.
"They caught me yesterday."
"Oh, fuck!" Dixie punched the wall behind her. "I didn't want her stressed out."
"Mama, the lying is a hell of a lot more stressful than knowing that he's really my father."
"Josie…"
"Look, just… come upstairs… Antonio and I have some stay to talk to our families about… well, this family… his family I think already knows…" Josie turned to Hank. "I'm not really sure what I should call you… but, I'd like it if you joined us."
"For now, I guess you can call me Hank… until you feel comfortable with Dad or something like that."
"Okay, Hank. Uh, I guess you should meet your grandchildren and enjoy Zoë's cooking. She's making breakfast."
Hank looked to Dixie. She shrugged. "The cat's outta the bag now… may as well let it all out now."
"Oh, Hank." Josie handed him his t-shirt. "I'd like to accept that position in Intelligence, if it's still on the table."
Hank smiled, pulling the t-shirt over his head. "It is, and it's yours. I'll get the paperwork in motion on Monday. I'm proud to have you… and not just as my daughter."
The three headed upstairs. Josie signalled to Antonio to join them before they all went into the kitchen.
"Uh, what's going on here?" Antonio whispered.
"I caught Hank coming out of Mama's bathroom and as she puts it… the cat's out of the bag."
"I see." Antonio looked to Hank and Dixie. "Well, breakfast smells amazing." He put his arm around Josie. "Look, Dixie, I know you didn't want her to know, but I think it's best that she does."
Dixie sighed. "I know… I just… I wanted to not have her be the subject of the rumour mill again."
Hank put his hand on her shoulder. "I can squash the rumour mill… just as long as she's healthy and she does her job in Intelligence…"
"Wait, Jo… you already accepted?"
"I figured I shoulder before someone says I can't do it…" Josie smiled. "I'll be on desk duty for a while anyhow."
"Okay… let's go eat before the kids get suspicious." Dixie said.
They went into the kitchen to see plates loaded with crêpes, fresh berries and whipped cream. There were also plates of eggs, sausage and bacon. A bowl of fresh fruit sat in the centre of the table.
"Wow." Antonio exclaimed. "That looks amazing."
"It smells really good."
"Xavier, can you grab another setting for Hank, please?"
Xavier nodded. Zoë pulled out a footstool for him to sit at the end of the table. Hank thanked them as he sat next to Dixie. The kids were wondering why Antonio's boss was eating breakfast with them and were also wondering why Dixie was being flirty with him. They didn't say anything because they figured that they'd get the answer to those questions in time.
"Zoë, this is delicious." Antonio complimented his oldest daughter. "I can see why you got that scholarship."
Zoë blushed. "Thanks, Dad. Eva helped with the fruits and eggs. She's got real potential in the kitchen."
It was Eva's turn to blush. "Thanks, Zoë."
They continued to eat their meal making small chitchat. At the end of the meal, Xavier and Diego cleared the dishes.
"So, um… you guys are probably wondering why Sergeant Voight is here?" Dixie asked.
The kids nodded vigorously.
"Um, a long time ago… he worked with my husband… the man that raised your Mama… and one night… he and I… well… He is Josie's real father."
Antonio swore that the kids' jaws were on the table. "Yeah, and that's why I have my black eye this morning… he was a little mad… but we're all over that now, and he just wants to be a part of her life… and your guys' too."
"Wow… and I thought meeting my dad for the first time was a big deal." Xavier said. He turned to Hank. "Um, very nice to meet you. I'm Xavier."
"Hi, Xavier." Hank turned to Zoë. "And you're Zoë, the Iron Chef in the making?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Um, I don't think I'll be going back to Paris though… now that I actually have family here… I can be a part of something so much more than just a fancy culinary school in France."
Josie smiled. "I figured that's what you'd decide."
"How did you?" Zoë asked.
"I knew that once you met your siblings… and your dad, you would want to stay, and that's okay… we just want all of you guys to be happy." Josie smiled.
"Thanks Mama."
"So, what else… do you guys have to spring on us?" Xavier asked.
Antonio and Josie exchanged glances. "We do have other news…" Antonio started.
"First, we want you guys to know that there's been a lot of discussion on this and we're not just rushing into this…" Josie took Antonio's hand. "We have decided that we're going to get married next month."
Jaws hit the table, followed by. "Really? So soon?"
Hank and Dixie looked to each other. "You're serious?"
Josie nodded. "We've come to realize that even though almost 16 years have passed by, the feelings we have for each other haven't changed. Now, I know that this is a shock… and Eva and Diego, we know that it's a huge adjustment… but we don't want to drag this out… especially since I've also accepted the position in Intelligence."
"Mama, are you sure you wanna stay in the CPD?" Zoë asked.
"Yes, I love being a nurse, but being a detective… behind being a mother, is my true calling." Josie replied. "Look, we decided it was better to tell you guys now, instead of my original idea last night."
"What was that?" Dixie asked.
"Hop on a plane to Vegas and elope." Antonio said deadpanned.
"Dad!" Eva exclaimed. "That would so not be fair!"
Antonio was surprised at Eva's reaction. He thought that she would've been more pissed that they were getting married. "Well, that's why we're telling you and we're going to do it in a month."
"Can you plan a wedding in that short amount of time?" Diego asked. "I thought it always too forever to plan one?"
Antonio couldn't help but laugh. "Diego, it can if you're planning a wedding for the royal family… Josie and I just want it to be simple and we want it to be family and friends."
Diego turned to Eva. "Think you can live with this?"
She nodded slowly. "It's not like we have a lot of choice in it, but I think if we all work on it, we can really be a family… I kinda like this." She smiled. "Having a big sister and brother is really cool… and I think it's cool."
"Well, good… so now we just need to plan the when and where of it." Antonio smiled.
Hank turned to him. "I don't see a ring on her finger."
"Uh, well… I didn't really have time to run home and get the ring I bought 16 years ago."
Josie turned to him, this time it was her jaw that dropped. "You kept it?"
"It's not the ring you gave Mom?" Eva asked.
Antonio replied. "No, Eva… it's not the same ring. Your mom's ring is safe waiting for you guys to be a little older. And yes, Jo… I kept it… I couldn't just sell it… part of me… held out hope."
"Dad, you should go get it." Diego prodded him.
"I will, after we tell Abuela and Abuelo… and your aunts and uncle."
"How well is that going to go over?" Hank asked. He really hadn't interacted with anyone from Antonio's family other than Gaby.
"Who knows? You guys haven't killed us yet… so, as long as everyone understands that this is Josie's and my decision and we're happy… I really don't care." Antonio squeezed Josie's hand. "This is our second chance, and we're not going to wait around for something or someone to try and put a wedge between us."
"Well, we will do whatever we can to help plan and organize this." Dixie smiled. She was a little worried that this was all happening so fast, but she also knew how important this was to Josie.
"I appreciate that." Josie smiled to her mother. She suspected her mom wasn't overly thrilled considering she just dropped the bomb that she was getting married and joining Intelligence. However, it wasn't as big of a bomb drop as finding out that Hank Voight was truly her father and catching him in her mother's suite coming out of the bathroom, half-dressed. She looked to Zoë and Eva. "Girls, I'd really like it if you stood next to us on that day."
"Me?" Eva pointed to herself. "Really?"
Josie nodded. "Of course. We're going to be family, and I don't want you to feel left out or as if you don't matter, because you do."
"Wow, okay… yeah. That'll… that'll be fun."
Antonio turned to the boys. "Will you two stand next to me as well?"
The boys didn't hesitate to answer. "Yes!"
"Well, I guess the hardest part is done." Antonio grinned. "I think I'm going to head next door and tell my parents."
"You want me to come?" Josie asked.
"I can keep an eye on the kids." Dixie smiled.
"I'll help… I guess I should really get to know my grandkids." Hank offered a rare smile.
Antonio nodded. "Okay, well… we'll be right next door… and if you need anything… you know where to find us."
*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*
Josie and Antonio grabbed their shoes and headed next door. Josie was a little nervous. She hadn't really spent any time with Antonio's family since she came back. Liliana and Gaby had come over from time to time to spend time with Xavier and Zoë. She knew that all of Antonio's family knew she was actually alive, but she wasn't sure how they'd react to all of this news.
Antonio stopped halfway across the lawn.
"Antonio? What's wrong?" Josie asked.
"Voight… your dad… what the hell are we calling him?"
"Hank… for now." Josie answered.
"Okay, Hank… made a good point."
"About what?"
"I really should put that ring on your finger."
"Antonio, we can get the ring later and you can do a real proposal if you want, but right now… I'm just anxious as hell to tell your parents."
"Why? My parents love you." Antonio said.
"This may seem too rushed for them… I'm pretty sure my mom wasn't thrilled about it. I'm surprised all 4 kids didn't freak out."
"I think they've seen what we have… and they have each other now… something that's going to make this decision and transition easier." Antonio grinned. "Are you having second thoughts, Jo?"
"No, Antonio… I'm not… I just need to be able to not worry that we're going to be criticized for jumping into this."
"Maybe we should just to elope to Vegas." Antonio suggested.
"That would really piss people off." Josie groaned. "Let's just go do this."
They walked up the steps and rang the bell.
"Wait, Antonio… is Gaby going to be here… I have something to ask her."
"I texted her while you went to find your mom." Antonio kissed her cheek. "Jo, this is going to be okay… it's not conventional, but when have we ever been conventional."
"Yeah, you're right." Josie concluded. He did have a point. Nothing they had ever done was conventional.
The door swung open. "Antonio!" Lilianna greeted her son. "How are you, mijo?"
"I'm good, Mami." Antonio hugged his mother. "Um, I brought someone… and we have news."
Josie poked her head around Antonio. "Hola, Lilianna."
"Josie!" Lilianna pushed Antonio aside. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing much better, thank you." Josie hugged her.
"Come in, come in." Lilianna stepped aside to allow them in the house. "Gaby is here. She said you have news?"
They followed her into the family room where Tiago, Rebecca, Gaby and Miguel were seated. Gaby got up and ran to greet Josie.
"Oh my God! You're okay! Thank God!" Gaby hugged her tightly.
"Ouch!" Josie exclaimed. "Gentle, Gaby… pregnant remember?"
"Pregnant?!" Tiago exclaimed. He turned to Antonio, glaring. "Explain?"
"That's why we're here." Antonio sighed. "Gaby, let go of her, and we'll tell you everything."
Antonio sat on the arm of the chair that had been saved for Josie. He put his arm around her shoulder as she leaned into him.
"It is so good to see you alive and well." Miguel grinned. "Life… hasn't been the same without you."
"I missed you all so much." Josie replied. "I thought about you all everyday… all the time. I wish I could've told you soon that I was alive… that I had twins."
"Mami told us about Xavier and Zoë." Rebecca said. "Showed us the pictures you gave her… we can't wait to meet them."
"They can't wait to meet you either." Antonio said. "Um, so two major announcements. First, Josie has been offered and accepted a position in Intelligence, starting after her Mat Leave… well, actually I guess there are three major announcements… Yes, Josie is pregnant… with identical twins and I am the father… we, uh…"
"We ended up meeting while undercover about 5 months back and well…" She patted her belly. "This is the end result."
"Are they healthy?" Lilianna asked.
Josie nodded. "Very. Very healthy and active. Doc said that they're due in October."
"Then, it's a blessing." Miguel said. "And this position in the CPD… is this similar to what Antonio does?"
"Yes, it will be, but for now, I'll be on desk duty until the babies are born, then we'll figure out what happens after that." Josie looked to Antonio. "Which brings us to point number 3."
"Wait, hang on a second…" Tiago tossed his hands up in the air. "I thought you wanted to be a nurse… you said that, you know… back then."
"I am a nurse, but it wasn't enough to pay the bills in New Orleans, so I joined the NOPD, made Detective, then moved here. I've been a CPD Vice Detective for a few years now."
"And you two never ran into each other in all this time?" Rebecca asked.
"Surprisingly, no." Josie laughed. "I don't know what could've happened if we had, but we're here now and we're moving forward."
"So, what's point 3?!" Gaby was bursting at the seams. She wanted to know what this news was.
Antonio and Josie exchanged glances then grinned. "We're getting married."
"Que?!" Lilianna exclaimed. "En serio?!"
"Si, Mami." Antonio said. "We're getting married."
"Isn't that rushing things?" Tiago asked hesitantly. "You've just found each other again… the kids… how are they taking this?"
"Well… Eva was a little worried but she's instantly bonded with Zoë and Xavier and Diego are already attached at the hip." Antonio laughed. "They were a little worried that we're moving fast but when we explained that our feelings never changed and that we're going to make our family work, they said it was okay and that we'd all work on it."
"So when's the wedding?" Gaby asked. Maybe they were moving fast, but considering that they'd been pulled apart all those years ago, and neither had really been able to move on, this made sense.
"Next month." Josie answered non-chalantly.
"How? What?" Tiago and Rebecca were shocked. "That's not enough time."
"We don't want the big fancy wedding." Antonio patted Josie's hand. "I had that with Laura… and it got us nowhere…"
"Mijo, you never truly loved Laura… we all know that… your heart has always belonged to Josie." Miguel spoke the words that were in everyone's minds.
"Papi." Antonio started.
"Antonio, your parents know you… and I don't think now is the time to argue that." Josie whispered. "Laura is gone… that's your past."
"Yeah… Josie is your future… with 6 kids." Gaby grinned. "I will help in any way possible."
"Good." Josie answered. "Will you be my Maid of Honour?"
"You serious?" Gaby's jaw dropped.
"Yeah, you were my best friend… still are… you've always been there."
"Definitely! I'd be honoured!" Gaby jumped up and hugged Josie and Antonio. "We should maybe start planning soon."
"After Zoë and Mama go back to Paris to finish her semester out, we can plan… I do want to go get dresses picked out though… before they leave Sunday night."
"So, Zoë and Eva are going to be in the wedding party?" Lilianna asked.
"Yep. They'll be junior bridesmaids, and Gaby will be Maid of Honour." Josie beamed. "I don't want it over complicated. I just want simple and to be close family and friends."
"Well, then if you two are happy, who are we to stand in your way." Miguel got off his Lazy Boy and hugged his son and future daughter-in-law. "I am so proud of you both, and I know that this was always meant to be."
"Gracias." Josie kissed his cheek. "I've missed this."
"We've missed you too, mija." Miguel smiled. "We'll have to have everyone over for supper before Zoë goes back to school, huh?"
"Oh, I think she wants to cook for you." Antonio said proudly. "She's in Paris for a cooking program… I'm sure she'd love to cook for everyone."
"Most definitely." Josie agreed. "You're all invited over tonight."
"Uh, Antonio?" Gaby asked, looking out the window. "Why is Voight at Josie's?"
"What?!" Tiago raced to join Gaby at the window. "She's not lying. Antonio, I thought you hated him?"
Josie snickered. "You may as well tell them, prevent them all from having coronaries."
"Mijo, what is she talking about?" Lilianna was staring out the window too.
"Hank Voight… is Josie's biological father." Antonio said, dead-panned.
All heads turned to face them.
Josie sighed. "We just found out. Literally… that and I caught him trying to sneak out of Mama's basement suite this morning."
"OH hell no!" Gaby's hand covered her mouth. "Seriously?"
"Yep… Mama had a one night stand with him… and here I am… now, we're kinda all reeling from the news."
Tiago looked to his brother. "You okay with having arrested him last year… and having him as your boss."
"He didn't know the truth for 33 years… we're all going to have to adjust to this." Antonio rubbed his jaw. "We just want to be able to have our lives together, the way it was meant to be."
*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*SBU*
A/N: Well, there you have it… maybe not necessarily how some people would see it, but if it's true love… why wait? ;) Anyhow, more to come soon. A new update to "The Rose" will be coming shortly.
All the best and let me know what you think! I know that some of you may find this odd… but bear with me… this will all make sense in a while. I promise. Lots of love! Nicole
