Since there wasn't anyone named as Beckett's father on his birth certificate, Vera spoke to several of Jayne's friends. One of them knew a few details about Beckett's father. He was visiting Los Angeles for business and met her in a bar. Jayne never revealed his name to her friend. Vera's investigation ultimately went nowhere.
Mark and Sidney fostered Beckett while Vera took several weeks searching for any blood relatives of Jayne's. They also welcomed Remy into their home. Beckett and the French bulldog fit right in with the family of four humans and three dogs. Angie and Elle loved having a baby brother and dotted after him. It was an adjustment to have an infant in their home again but the late nights were worth it. Loving him came naturally to the seasoned parents. Everyone was thrilled when Vera informed them that no relatives of Jayne's were found. Mark and Sidney filed for adoption that afternoon.
November 2020
In a private ceremony where only family were in attendance, Mark, Wallace and Lawson were awarded for taking down the mall gunmen. Due to Mark's job, no press outlets were allowed to cover the event where the governor thanked the heroes and gave all three men medals.
As a surprise, Sidney and Lila planned a celebration at the former's home. Navi's restaurant catered the event. Half of the guests were already milling through the home's ground floor and backyard.
Kirby held Beckett in her arms while she and Dante were seated on the living room couch with Sidney. Remy was in Dante's lap receiving a belly rub from the young doctor.
"Kid, you are ridiculously cute! That reminds me, Sid, in three weeks, I'm directing the season finale and casting is looking for a blond baby boy, Beckett would be perfect!" The golden blonde pecked the baby's chubby cheek.
With a dry laugh, Sidney retorted, "Thanks Kirby, but we'll pass. I already have to worry about Angie wanting to be a movie star. Last night, she was practicing her Oscar's acceptance speech! She was using her Elsa doll as the award."
The young filmmaker chuckled, "Well, as a professional I can tell you that Angie has presence and she does have a flair for the dramatic!"
On top of the coffee table Sidney's phone pinged taking her attention away from Kirby. Her dark eyes sparkled at the live video feed of Dewey getting out of his car. She quickly excused herself to welcome her good friend.
The veteran sheriff smiled while accepting her hug, "Hey Sid, am I late?"
Placing her hand on his back, she began guiding him, "Of course not! I'm so happy that you're here and you're finally gonna meet Beckett!"
"I love being here with you guys and I can't wait to meet the little guy!" He said with a big nod.
Dante greeted him with a handshake and a friendly curve of his lips. Kirby gave the veteran cop a one-armed hug before handing Beckett to him. Dewey's face brightened as he held the five-month-old baby in his arms. His mouth pulled into a massive smile when Beckett reached up and rested his tiny hand on his uncle's scruffy face.
"Sid, he's beautiful!" Dewey said before brushing his lips against the baby's forehead. "He's one lucky kid."
Seeing her son take a liking to her longtime friend warmed her heart. It was impossible for anyone to dislike Dewey.
"Uncle Dewey, you're here!" Angie excitedly yelled as she and Elle ran in from patio. Mark was right behind them.
"Hey girls! Wow, you've both grown so much!" With one arm, he accepted their hugs.
Angie began telling him about the most recent school play that she was in. He listened to the talkative child and asked her questions when there was an opening for one.
Mark grinned and gave him a polite pat on the back then sat next to Sidney. The proud parents admired their children enjoy spending quality time with their uncle.
September 2021
Raising three kids, being a wife, managing a household while working full-time and writing her first children's book were exhausting and gratifying experiences, but it left Sidney with very little personal time. Granted, it was easier for her to stay in contact with her loved ones who lived within an hour's drive of her and Mark's home. Despite Navi's many efforts, Sidney preferred to stay off social media. She treasured the privacy she and her family had. Nothing within her control was going to jeopardize their perfect bubble.
Mark woke up a bit earlier than usual and decided to get a few things done. After walking all the dogs, he got breakfast from Sidney's favorite diner. He then woke up their girls, prepared Beckett for the day and made the girls' school lunches. By the time Sidney joined them, he was already cleaning the puréed chicken from the fifteen-month-old's chin. She was dressed in her workout clothes and running shoes.
"Oh, breakfast from Sole's! I guess I'm keeping you around for another year." Sidney smiled before touching Mark's lips with hers.
"Mmm, I'm a lucky guy and you deserve to sleep in." His thumb stroked down her cheek. "I could drop off the girls at school if you want?"
"Thanks, but I'll take them after I get in a quick run with Beckett." She pecked his cheek and removed Beckett from his high chair.
Hearing Dewey's voice from her phone was a welcomed surprise. It had been almost a year since they last spoke but there was no awkwardness between them. Dread and concern set in when he mentioned that a new killer was active again in Woodsboro. She had no desire to return there and felt grateful to not be targeted. Even though they ended their call on a positive and protective note, she wished that she hadn't lost touch with him.
Mark was delighted to see Sidney and Beckett appear at his office door with lunch from Vicente's. Once they started eating tacos and churros, she spoke about her morning call with Dewey.
With a deep breath of annoyance and concern, he ran his hand through his thick salt and pepper hair. "Well, those peaceful ten years were great…How are you holding up?" He asked while feeding Beckett a small piece of churro.
"Honestly? I'm over this shi-" Sidney corrected herself at the sound of Beckett cooing at the churro's deliciousness. "Crap. I hope Dewey puts whoever this is in the ground."
Tipping his head to left, he told her, "I'm with you on that. At least you're not the target this time around. And you have no more family members with a grudge against you."
Nodding, she replied, "True. And as bad as this sounds, that's a relief.
On the way here, I called Kirby. She's in Atlanta filming her first movie, for Netflix. The studio has given her and Dante a security detail."
"That's good, those two deserve peace." He could see the gears turning in her mind. "You're worried about Dewey."
"Yes; I mean, I know he can handle himself and he told me to stay here. He's right, I have you and the kids. But this is the first time he'll have to face this without me…" Her gaze went to her lap. "I know it's the right thing do but…it still doesn't feel right."
After a beat, he said, "You have a point…but he has the entire police department at his disposal. He's friends with Hicks so he's not alone. And every cop in the department has his back because he's a good leader who they respect, trust and believe in."
She exhaled, "They do. Once this blows over, we should invite him over for dinner. It's been way too long since we've spent time with him; with Beckett, my book, our girls and work-…"
Reaching across the desk, he held her hand, "Sid, it's not entirely on you that we've lost touch with Dewey. He's clearly been busy too. When this is over and we're all together again, we'll make sure to put in more of an effort to stay in contact."
"Definitely. He's family and our kids are gonna grow up loving their Uncle Dewey." She gave his hand a squeeze as she touched Beckett's chubby cheek.
After finishing lunch, Mark volunteered to clean up and change Beckett's diaper. Sidney left to use the bathroom. The second she returned to his office she received a notification on her phone. She felt a part of herself crumble when she saw the text confirming Dewey's death. Her free hand clutched the doorframe as her eyes became flooded. The oldest friend she had and her last tie to Woodsboro was now gone.
Judging by the distraught look on Sidney's face, Mark knew that Dewey was dead. His heart broke for her as he immediately took her into his arms. "Oh Sid, I'm so sorry…"
She clutched his body to hers, "This morning, I-I should've told him how much I loved him…"
With both hands he held her face, "He knew, Sid. It was always obvious whenever he was around you."
As he wiped away her tears, she said, "Gale's already there. I need to be there for her… and to end this."
Pulling his head back, he was about to object until he saw the determination in her dark eyes. "There's nothing I can say to change your mind."
"No. In the alert, it said that the killer got to Dewey and Hicks. And that Dewey was the former sheriff. The police are trying, but it's not enough." She brought her hand to his cheek, "Gale and I are gonna take these fuckers down. I promise, I'll come back home to you and our wonderful kids."
"I know you will. I love you, so much." He stroked her face then drew her into a powerful kiss and knew that it wouldn't be their last.
