CH. 7: Brothers and Babies Part 1
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The following afternoon, and Mary was busy washing laundry, and getting ready for her trip. She had dinner in the crock pot, and she was busy doing a little picking
up around the house. Then again, she wasn't sure why. She was leaving two boys and newborn home, she would be lucky to even have a house to come home to.
Devon was napping, and Danny was busing folding a pile of baby clothes on his bed. "I picked up a new can of formula for Devon, when I was at the store this
morning. It's in the pantry, when you need it," Mary said trying to cover all her bases of things she might need to tell her eldest before she left. "Thanks Mom," Danny
glanced behind him, folding a pale green onesie. "Are you going to be okay, while I'm gone?" Mary placed a hand on his shoulder, after walking further into his room.
"I'll be fine," Danny chuckled. "Just get home as soon as you can. I know Devon will miss you," Danny kissed her cheek. "Are you sure you are not talking about
yourself?" Mary teased, running a hand through his hair. "Yes," Danny was trying to keep his laughter down, so he wouldn't wake Devon. She had stayed awake some
that morning, and Danny knew she needed her rest. Especially considering, she had been fussy that morning. Making Danny both physically tired, and mentally tired
from all the fussing. Picking up the laundry basket, full of folded baby clothes, Danny quietly slipped out of his bedroom, before closing his bedroom door, being
careful to leave it ajar, so he could listen for her cries, when she awoke.
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An hour or so later, and Frank was home with Jamie. Devon was awake. And at the moment, she was only content as long as she was being held and being walked
around in her daddy's arms. "How's everything coming Mary?" Frank asked, taking his crying granddaughter from her father. "Almost ready," Mary replied, our
luggage is packed and upstairs. Just waiting for two strong boys to carry down for their mother." Mary said hinting. "She means us kid," Danny grabbed Jamie by the
shirt and hauled him upstairs. "Do you really think they will be okay?" Mary looked from Devon to Frank, concern laced in every word she spoke. "There's only one
way to find out," Frank shook his head. "And you have to learn to trust our son, that he will be able to take care of everything." "It's not that I don't trust him," Mary
sounded anxious. "It's just this is all so new to him." "He'll be fine," Frank was certain. "I know Frank, but should I really leave him alone with Devon? She seems to
be a bit fussier than normal." "I'm sure she's fine, besides, how do we know what is normal for her, she's only been here a week, and over that time period, she
seems to cry about most everything," Frank had a point. Mary knew what her husband was saying was true, then again, she only figured she was being a typical
newborn, especially considering she was a newborn that had her days and nights mixed up. She cried when she had her diaper changed, she cried when she had a
bath, she cried if they held her wrong, she cried when she was hungry, and sometimes she cried just because she could. "Danny is her father, and he knows how to
take care of her for the most part. Besides, he has to be able to depend on himself." "What about Jamie?" Mary voiced another concern. "Danny will have to keep an
eye on him too. Do you think that's too much for him to handle, along with Devon?" "Mary, you have to stop babying our eldest, he has a baby. But that doesn't mean
he can't handle other things." "I know," Mary said. "But I can't help but be concerned." "Danny's doing just fine, it's pretty obvious that Devon loves her Daddy, and
although Danny won't admit it, I'm sure he feels the exact same way." "I know he does, it's just Devon is always coming up with something new to make Danny's life
a bit more miserable," Mary recalled the constant nights of her keeping him awake. And now with the persistent crying she was bent on doing almost every moment
she wasn't kept content. "Where do you want it?" Jamie asked, both his hands gripping a handle of the suitcases. "By the doors fine son," Mary said, still planning on
discussing a few things with her eldest, while her husband discussed a few things were their youngest, before leaving for their trip. "Danny," Mary led her eldest into
the kitchen. "Dinners ready, and on the counter whenever you and Jamie are ready. I went to the store, so there is plenty of food in the fridge to last you while I'm
gone," Mary didn't want to leave her children to fend for themselves, even if one of them was grown. "You can call Erin, if you need any help with Devon. Joe can help
you with dropping Jamie off at school in the morning on his way to the police academy, but in the afternoon, he will still be there, so he can't really help you with
picking up Jamie, but maybe Erin can if you really need her to," Mary was thinking so fast, on everything she needed to say, that she was afraid, she would forget
something important. "I know Mom," Danny smiled at her reassuringly. "And don't worry we'll be fine." "I know Danny," Mary hugged him tight. "And I'm so proud of
you." "I know," Danny couldn't help but grin at her.
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"Jamie, I want you to remember that Danny's in charge while were gone." Frank looked at his son seriously, as the two stood in the living room. Little Devon still in his
arms. "And I expect you to treat him with respect." Jamie didn't say anything, but a disgusted look crossed his face. The look of course, didn't go unnoticed by his
father. "I mean it Jamison." "I know Dad." Jamie nodded his head. Sure, he wasn't thrilled with the lecture he was receiving, but he figured it was better than being
told he would be in trouble if he didn't behave while they were gone. Which he was still surprised he hadn't heard yet. "And I'm sure I don't have to remind you of
what will happen, if I hear of otherwise," Frank was sure to add. There it is, Jamie thought to himself. "No Sir, you don't," Jamie sighed. "You might even have fun
with your mother and I away," Frank winked at him, gesturing in a way that meant, maybe he would even have a good time with big brother in charge, knowing the
two brothers were developing a bit stronger of a bond. Something Frank was grateful for, considering the two had one before Danny left for the marines, but it
seemed to unravel over the years. Thankfully, Devon seemed to be bringing them closer together, since Danny had to move back in. "That's what I'm hoping for,"
Jamie smiled. "Just don't have too much fun," Frank looked at the boy sheepishly. "We won't," Jamie reassured him for good measure. "Mhmm," was all Frank could
say or moan, knowing his two sons better than that.
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"Moms as bad as those DI's I had in the Marines," Danny whispered, looking at his father, when he returned to the living the room. "I can relate," Frank gave him a
small smile, being careful not to talk too loud, so his wife wouldn't hear them and cancel their trip. "What can you relate too?" Mary asked joining her husband and
sons. "Nothing you need to worry about," Frank placed a kiss on her cheek. Jamie gave his brother a funny look, and Devon squirmed in Franks arms. "It's almost like
she knows," Jamie laughed out loud, gesturing at his little niece. Frank handed Devon to Mary, knowing she would want to hold her a bit before they left, knowing that
as soon as they got in the car, Mary would say how much she missed their little granddaughter. "Danny," Frank said reaching for the wallet in his back pocket. Danny
turned his attention to his father and Frank handed him a couple of hundred dollar bills. "I want you to take this, and use it for emergencies," Frank said seriously.
"Dad," Danny just looked at him. "You don't have to give me any money. I know I haven't worked in a week, but I do have some money set aside." "I know son, but
you have Jamie with you, and I want you both to be well taken care of," Frank nodded. "I can take care of my brother," Danny said softly. "I know you can son,"
Frank placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "But it will help put your old man's mind at ease," Frank placed the money in his son's front shirt pocket. Sure, Frank would
never admit, that he had some of the same concerns as his wife, yet he knew that he would never admit it, at least not out loud. He wasn't really worried about Danny
he knew he could take care of himself, it was just the fact that he had a strong-willed kid to look after and a newborn baby to look after as well. "Now is there
anything else you can think of to tell our children before we leave, so you aren't calling them five minutes after we leave," Frank teased his wife. "I'm sure there will
be something. But no, not at the moment," Mary shook her head. Mary started to hand Devon over to Danny, and Jamie wrinkled up his nose. "Uh, Danny, I think
your little one left you a surprise," Jamie squeezed his nose together, so he wouldn't have to smell the nauseating whiff coming from the infant's lower region. Danny
carried her to the living room and gently laid her down on one of the baby blankets that was spread out near the fireplace. "You're going to change her down here?!"
Jamie freaked, thinking of how long the smell would linger in the room. What made it worse, was the living room was adjacent to the kitchen, and that would make it
a little hard to stomach the dinner that was prepared for them. "Why not? I'm down, here, aren't I?" Danny ignored his kid brother's complaints. Danny had just taken
her pants off and was starting to unbutton the onesie, when Mary began to think of the past week. "How many dirty diapers has she had?" "I don't know Mom, I've
only been a parent for a few days, and I'm so tired, I don't remember one day from the next. But I do know that this is my first one with her. I'm pretty sure I'd
remember something this awful." Even Danny had to admit that the smell was bad. "I changed one," Mary admitted. "But that was just a day or so after she moved
in. I was just thinking that it was about time she had another dirty diaper, I was afraid we were going to have to call the pediatrician." "I just kind of thought she was
being nice to me," he admitted. "Danny that's not good for her health," sometimes it was more evident than not that her son was a new father. "Oh gosh Devon,"
Danny gagged, opening the diaper. "What are you trying to do to Daddy? Make him throw up all over you?" "Seriously Danny," Mary shook her head, at her son's
reaction to a dirty diaper. "Mom, its everywhere, and it stinks," Danny was already starting to pull out half the wipes in the container. "You don't need that many
wipes son. You are just wasting them." "It's going to take at least this many if not more to get her cleaned down there. Girls are tricky," Danny blushed, not sure how
else to say it. "And I'm not very good at it yet. I've only changed one dirty diaper, and that was with Nicki, and it certainly wasn't by choice. And that time, all I did
was stick her butt in the sink, and let it get rinsed off on its own," Danny tried picking up for himself. "Move over," Mary shoved him over, so she could take over. "I'm
only going to show you this once, so pay attention, this is the only time I'm going to show you," she repeated. "You're getting mean," Danny said with a raised brow.
"No," Mary looked at him seriously. "But I sure hope your next child is a boy," she added. "I'm not having any more children. This is the only child, that I will ever be a
father too, I can assure you." Danny said, his voice muffled, his shirt covering his nose. "Things aren't always going to be as they are," Mary shook her head. "One
day, you will get married, and have more children." "Thanks for the reassurance, but I don't think that's going to happen," Danny said simply, going back to the
dressing of his little girl. Mary stood and handed the rolled up dirty diaper to her youngest, "dispose of this Jamie." "Awe Mom!" Jamie gagged, very similar to the way
his eldest brother did moments ago, as he ran for the trash can. "Now I'm not going to be here for the next couple days," Mary looked at Danny. "So, I hope you paid
attention. You have to do a good job so she doesn't get an infection down there," she explained. "If you have any love for Daddy, you'll wait till Grandma gets home,
right Devon?" Danny lifted her into his arms. "Oh no," Mary said seriously. "I had four kids I've changed more than my share. And this child is all yours," she patted
his back. Sure, Mary didn't mind helping out, but she knew what her husband said was true. She had to stop babying the child, that had a child of his own. A
disgruntled look crossed Danny's face as he thought about her words. "You know if more people knew how much trouble a baby was, I bet kids would think a lot more
before they put themselves in a situation." "It certainly got your attention," Frank smiled, before picking up their luggage and carrying it to the car. "Oh, and were
taking Devon for newborn pictures when I get home," Mary said, while her husband struggled with getting her out the door and over to the car.
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After telling their parents goodbye, and wishing them to have a good trip, Danny, Jamie, and baby Devon returned to the warm house. "What do you want to do the
first?" Jamie asked the second Danny closed the door behind him. "You want to have a party?" Danny stopped what he was doing and turned his complete attention to
his brother. "Are you out of your mind?! I have a newborn in the house!" Danny waked him in the back of the head with his free hand. "Why not? We could have Erin
watch her," Jamie said annoyed, rubbing the back of his head. "Not going to happen kid," Danny placed Devon in her swing, so he could place another log on the fire.
"We've got to do something, while Mom and Dad are gone. It's the kid code," Jamie had a point. "Maybe so, but I'm not a kid," Danny reminded him. "And if you've
forgotten, I have a kid," he pointed at Devon. "You know you used to be cool," Jamie remembered. "and you treated responsibility as if it was the plague. Then Devon
showed up, and all of a sudden, you know the meaning of the word." "Go do your homework Jamie," Danny said, tired of his brothers both irresponsible and trying
behavior. Jamie stared at him for a few minutes, but his good behavior persona won over, then again, he couldn't help but say it with a little teenage angst, "fine."
With Jamie upstairs, and Devon content in her swing, while she watched the flames in the fireplace. Danny stretched out on the couch, television remote in hand.
Settling on a re-run of a jets football game, that he missed because he was busy with Devon a couple days ago, Danny was hoping he would be able to at least get
through the first quarter, before his daughter started in on another one of her crying phases again. Unfortunately, he was barely thirty minutes into the game before
he fell asleep. It was also around that time, that Joe walked through the front door, awakening him. "You know you should really lock this door, all sorts of people
could walk in," Joe said pretending wrap his hands around his brother's neck and choke him, pretending to be a predator. "Maybe so," Danny shrugged. "But not as
long as I got this," Danny pulled his off-duty weapon from under his shirt. "Good point," Joe released his grip. "Besides, I knew you were coming," Danny lowered the
volume on the controller. "Really," Joe slumped onto the couch next to him. "How'd you know?" "We have free food," Danny yawned. "Were you sleeping?" Joe
thought he saw his brother stretched out on the couch when he walked in. Danny realized what he had done, and he turned his attention over to his brother. "I can't
believe I fell asleep during a football game," Danny almost cried. "What's happened to me?" "That happened to you," Joe grinned pointing at Devon. "So, where's the
kid?" Joe noticed, that Jamie had yet to show his face. "He was getting annoying, so I sent him upstairs to do his homework," Danny looked over at Devon who was
starting to squirm. "Danny he's a kid, of course he's annoying," Joe reminded him. "He wanted to throw a party, since mom and dad are away," Danny picked up for
himself. "Yeah, that's crazy," Joe had to agree. "Does he not know, who our parents are?" "Temporary insanity," Danny shrugged, suggesting. "Wait a minute," Joe
stopped, when he realized what his brother had said. "Didn't you throw a party once when mom and dad were away, when you were a teenager?" "The inoperative
word in that sentence is once," Danny held up a finger. "The neighbors called our parents, and Dad nearly killed me when he got home." "You know as much as I'm
enjoying this trip down memory lane," Joe stretched. "Especially when the story ends with you getting in trouble. I'm hungry," Joe stood and hurried into the kitchen.
After making him a plate, and setting it on the counter, Joe opened the door to the fridge to get a drink. "Hey Danny!" Joe hollered. "What's wrong with the fridge?
The lights broke." "I knew you were coming, so I took it out. I didn't want you to eat all the food," Danny teased, picking up Devon, when he noticed that she had no
intention in falling back to sleep. "You can't tell me not to eat mom and dad's food. They are my parents too." Joe improvised, turning the flashlight on, on his cell
phone. A little light malfunction wasn't going to stop him. "Yeah but there not here, and I am," Danny winked at him, carrying Devon into the kitchen, thinking that
knowing her, she would be getting hungry and start fussing in a matter of minutes. "If you weren't holding Devon, I'd tackle you," Joe said menacingly. "Hold her for a
minute, so I can make her a bottle," Danny shoved her at him gently. "My foods going to get cold," Joe wasn't really complaining, but he did look sad. "Oh gosh, now
you sound like Jamie," Danny was trying to figure out, when he and Erin turned into the only adult siblings. Then again, since when did he and Erin ever get placed
into a category together? He wondered. "Awe, what am I talking about? Uncle Joe can't say no to you," Joe took her from his brother and carried her into the living
room, before taking a seat on his father's chair. "Grandma called me earlier, and said that you've been a little fussy today. What's going on baby girl? Tell Uncle Joe all
about it." "She has been a little fussier than usual," Danny admitted, bringing the bottle in. He was just about to take her from his brother, when Joe took the bottle
instead. "I'll feed her," he volunteered, quickly taken over by the baby's soft face. "Joe, you just said your food was going to get cold," Danny looked at him confused.
"You can eat it. I'll get me some when she's done." "Okay," Danny was even more confused, than he was earlier. "I should probably call Jamie down to get something
to eat," Danny thought about it, carrying his plate of food into the living room. "He's fine, he's doing his homework," Joe didn't sound all that concerned. "Yeah but I
have to be the parent, while mom and dad are gone. And for some reason that doesn't sound like something a good parent would do," Danny went back into the
kitchen to get a drink. "Then again, he's just my brother," he shrugged. "I don't have to be a good parent to him," Danny returned to his seat on the couch, before
returning to his football game.
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"Jamie wake up!" Danny smacked him with his pillow. "Danny!" Jamie covered his head with his bedspread. "It's early, and mom always wakes me up, by placing a
gentle kiss on my forehead." "It isn't early Jamie," Danny argued. "I let you sleep in, an extra fifteen minutes, because Devon kept waking me up every fifteen
minutes. And I wouldn't kiss you, if you paid me!" Danny ripped the bedspread off his brother's bed. "Danny!" Jamie whined again. "It's cold!" Jamie was wriggling
around uncomfortably, only wearing his boxers. "Then get up and put some clothes on!" Danny wacked him again with the pillow. "I got to get you to school!"
Grabbing the bedspread off the floor, Jamie buried himself back into bed. "And if I have to come back in there, I'm bringing a crying baby. And I'm not afraid to use
her!" Danny hollered back, heading to the nursery for a clean diaper and outfit, so he could get Devon ready to leave. A few minutes later, and Danny returned to his
room, where he found Devon once again, crying in her crib. "Daddy's coming Devon," Danny yawned, exhausted after a night with very little sleep. "It's time to get
ready for school," Danny said removing her pajamas. "But don't worry baby, you don't have to go to school yet," Danny tried reassuring her. "You know, I have no
idea why you are crying?" Danny was still trying to figure out the reason for her constant cries. "I mean I could understand it, if you had to go to school. But you still
have several years, until I walk you through the dreaded halls of parochial kid jail, that you have stay at until you graduate high-school." Interrupting Danny's
explanation, behind the terrors of school, was Jamie. "What's for breakfast Danny?" Jamie asked, walking into his brother's room, as he tied his uniform tie around his
neck. "Donuts," Danny knew they didn't have time for anything else, especially considering they were all moving a little slow that morning. "Mom always makes my
breakfast," Jamie started to say. "Are you seriously going to argue with me about donuts?" Danny was about to send him back to bed, and make a run for the
thermometer. "No," Jamie covered quickly. Finishing with Devon, Danny picked her up, and he and his brother headed for the kitchen. "Hold Devon, while I get my
coffee," Danny tried handing his daughter over to his brother while he filled his coffee thermos and grabbed Devon's diaper bag. "Yeah, I'm not really a baby person,"
Jamie shied away. "I'm better with toddlers." "She's just a baby Jamie, and she's also your niece," Danny ignored his complaints. "I know, that's why I don't want to
hurt her," Jamie sounded nervous. "You're not going to hurt her Jamie. Just support the head and she will be fine." Danny handed her over to him. "Danny," Jamie
complained. "Dad always holds her while I get my coffee. And if you want to get to school safely and on time. You will let me get my coffee," Danny said seriously.
"Okay," Jamie still sounded a little worried. "Just try to hurry." After making a brief stop for donuts, they made the last trek to Jamie's school. "Don't forget I have to
stay after school today," Jamie remembered, stuffing another donut in his face. "Why? What did you do?" Danny sounded intrigued. "Nothing," Jamie shook his head,
his mouth full. "I'm not a trouble maker, like you were." "Then why would anyone, purposefully choose to stay at school any longer than they had too?" Danny
couldn't help but wonder how he and Jamie were actually blood brothers. "I'm the class president," Jamie said simply. "I have a meeting." "What time will you be
done?" Danny knew he would never live it down, if he completely forgot to pick up his brother. "5 maybe," Jamie thought about it. "Okay, well either me, Erin or Joe
will pick you up," Danny had a feeling it might be him, but he wasn't certain, considering Joe would be through with the academy by then. "Okay," Jamie took the last
swig of his chocolate milk before getting out of the car. "See ya Danny, bye Devon," he added, before closing the car door, and hurrying into the school.
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That day, Danny had to spend the whole day alone with his newborn. At first, he wasn't too worried about it. But an hour or so after he got home with her, he soon
discovered that he was wrong. It had been a long day of listening to Devon cry, making Danny think, his little girl was acquiring an allergy to sleeping. After several of
hours of this, Danny knew he would never be able to get Devon out to pick his brother up from school. Taking his cell phone out of his pocket, Danny called his sister.
It was a little after five, and Devon was screaming. Her little arms and legs flailing in all different directions, as she laid in her pack n play. "I'm sorry Devon, but I
can't just snap my fingers, and have a bottle ready for you," Danny said, then again, he wasn't even certain if hunger was the reason for her tears. But at this point in
the day, he was willing to try anything, to make her content. "Oh wow," Joe walked through the kitchen door, his eyebrows raised. "I can hear her screams from
outside." "She's been doing that a lot today." Danny looked both physically and mentally strained. "Is she sick?" Joe walked out of the kitchen to pick her up, hoping
that being picked up, would help. "I don't know. And I'm not taking her temperature either," Danny was beyond serious. Joe handed Devon back to Danny, who took a
seat in one of the single chairs, where he tried to make his daughter comfortable. Unfortunately, she wasn't too interested, and cried even worse, anytime he forced
the bottle in. "I guess she's not hungry," Joe stated the obvious. "I'll even take her having her days and nights mixed up over this," Danny appeared, as if he was on
the verge of tears himself. "Have you tried one of those pacifier things?" Joe wondered, running a hand through his hair, beginning to regret his decision in coming
over that afternoon. "We got some at the baby shower. But I have no idea where we put them," Danny admitted, the house looking a bit disheveled, and his parents
had barely been gone for 24 hours. "I'll go check the nursery," Joe hurried up the stairs, hoping he could find something that would help soothe her. After digging
through just about every drawer, and shelf that held baby things, Joe finally located a pink pacifier. "Found one," Joe ran down the stairs, faster than he thought he
ever did when he was growing up in the house. "What do you think is wrong with her?" Danny glanced at his brother. "You're asking me? How am I supposed to
know? I'm not a parent. Have you tried calling Mom and Dad?" Joe suggested. "They might know what's wrong." "Yes, and they aren't answering. I have a feeling
Dads ignoring my calls on purpose, and I have absolutely no idea what to do," Danny whimpered. "I want my mommy." "Did you really just say that?" Joe looked at
his brother confused. "When you spend almost eight hours listening to a baby cry! You would say the same!" Danny hollered frustrated. "Maybe you should take her to
the hospital," Joe shrugged. "What am I going to say Joseph? My kids been crying all day, I think she hates me." Danny didn't know much about kids, but after being
the oldest, and being raised with three younger siblings, you picked up on a few things. And learned that sometimes, baby's just cry. "Your baby doesn't hate you. She
doesn't even know you," Joe reminded him. "Yeah well, she's mad at me for some reason, and it's probably because I wasn't there when she was born," Danny said
figuring. "She's like two weeks old, I don't think she cared who take care of her that first week," Joe had a point. "Well I don't know what else I could have done to
make her this upset with me. Other than change her diaper and give her a bath. But I don't see that as a reason for her to be this angry with her father." "Well let's at
least try this," Joe handed his brother the pacifier. After rubbing the pacifier over her gums for a few moments, hoping to calm her down, Devon did finally manage to
calm herself, enough to suck on it for a few minutes. "Hey Danny, can I go to a party with some friends?" Jamie asked walking through the front door. "No," Danny
was barely paying attention. He and Joe still trying to alleviate any reason why Devon could be so upset. "Why not?" Jamie complained. "Because you are still
grounded from the stereo incident," Danny reminded him. "If I wasn't grounded could I go?" Jamie wondered, trying to figure out a way to get out of his punishment,
at least for the night. "I don't know Jamie," Danny really wasn't thinking about his brother's constant questions. "Well could I?" Jamie pushed. "Probably not, it's a
school night," Danny remembered that it was only Thursday. "What if I promised not to stay out late?" Jamie wasn't willing to give up just yet. "No Jamie, Devon has
been really fussy today, and I couldn't take you, even if I wanted too." "But she isn't crying right now?" Jamie pointed out. "Trust me kid, that isn't going to last long,"
Danny said as if on cue, for Devon to start crying again, which she did. "Joe, would you drop me off?" Jamie asked the brother, who had yet to say anything. "Sorry
Jamie, but Danny's in charge," Joe shrugged. "Besides, I have a date anyway," Joe winked at his older brother. "Who with?" Danny couldn't help but act intrigued,
considering he hadn't been on a date, since before he became a Daddy. "Melissa," Joe answered. "Who's that? I don't remember you mentioning that one before,"
Jamie thought about it. "That's because I just met her yesterday," Joe said sheepishly. "Very nice," Danny laughed. "As interesting as this conversation is, let's get
back to my problem," Jamie interrupted. "Are you sure you won't reconsider about the party?" Jamie sounded as if he was begging. "Positive," Danny picked up the
crying infant, thinking that maybe if she was held and had the pacifier, maybe she would stop crying long enough so he could hear himself think. "But Danny, why?"
"Basically, because I said so. Besides which kid would plan a party on a school night?" Danny had to admit, it sounded kind of odd. "Because their parents are out of
town tonight," Jamie stated the most logical explanation. "You make a good point," Danny admitted. "But your still not going." "This sucks," Jamie muttered under his
breath, as he started for the stairs. "Your worse than mom." "Yeah, that's impossible," Danny hollered back at him.
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That night and Danny and Jamie kept mostly to themselves. Jamie saying, he was busy working on a school project, while Danny was kept busy with trying to keep
Devon's screaming down to a minimum. He considered giving her a bath, but eventually opted out of that, knowing how much she hated them, and figured that would
only increase the wails. It took some time, but after a while Devon drifted off to sleep. Being careful not to wake her, Danny placed her in her crib. Being grateful for
even a slight break, Danny planned on a shower, and if he was lucky, a quick power nap. He was just heading for the bathroom, when he decided to check on Jamie,
knowing it had been at least an hour and a half since Jamie came in to bother him. "Jamie," Danny said walking into his brother's room. Not finding him at his desk, or
anywhere else in his room, Danny checked the remainder of the house. "I'm going to kill him," Danny said to himself. Running a hand through his hair frustrated,
Danny tried coming up with a plan. He knew his brother had to have gone to the party. Unfortunately, he had no idea which friend was having the party, or even
where he lived. He wasn't a detective and he only had a couple years on the job, but that didn't keep him from looking at this from every possible angle. And that
included spying in his brother's bedroom. Walking into the room, Danny checked all the usual places, sure he hadn't lived in the same house with his youngest brother
in years, but he had been a kid before, and he knew his brother. He figured his parents would know which friends Jamie hung out with the most, but he really didn't
want to have to call them. Then again, chances we're they wouldn't answer anyways. Joe and Jamie were relatively close, but calling his younger brother, because his
youngest brother was an idiot, would only show how incapable he was at being in charge. Settling on his brother's desk, Danny shifted through the notebooks on the
desk. His cellphone, Danny got an idea. His father took his brothers phone away, when he got in trouble with the stereo. Running into his parent's bedroom, Danny
hurried into his parent's closet, remembering where they usually kept the things they took away from their children. Shifting through the small storage box, Danny
found the phone, along with several other things he recognized as his own. After making a mental note to question his parents about it later, Danny looked through
the contact list on his brother's phone. Several calls later, and Danny hit the jackpot. It was obvious which friend was having the party, just by the surrounding noise
in the background. Unfortunately, the call cut out before he could get an address, and Danny had to figure out another way to locate his brother. Pulling his own
phone out, Danny placed a call into his precinct. Knowing he could find out everything he needed to, just by giving the kids name to the dispatcher. Seconds later, and
Danny had an address. "Sorry about this Devon," Danny cringed when he picked his daughter up and carried her to the car, terrified she was going to wake up and
start crying again. "So far, so good," Danny muttered after buckling her in her car seat. Pulling onto the designated street, it wasn't difficult to find the house. It was
lit up, indicating that every light was on. Fortunately, the music wasn't pumping all that loud, and for that Danny was grateful, at least the cops wouldn't be called for
disrupting the peace, he thought to himself. There weren't many cars parked up front, then again, he didn't really expect there to be. Jamie wasn't old enough to
drive, and most of the kids at the party, probably were not either. Parking the car, and Danny turned around to glance at the baby in the backseat, who was still fast
asleep. Taking a deep breath, Danny made a decision. He really didn't want to have to take her inside a house with a bunch of screaming kids, a lit-up house, and
music pumping. That would surely wake her up. And it wouldn't help him, get her to go back to sleep, or keep her from crying at him all night. He knew he wouldn't be
long, all he was going to do was grab Jamie and drag him outside, kicking and screaming if necessary. Taking another quick glance at Devon, Danny gout out of the
car and hurried inside. Walking through the front door, Danny took a quick survey of the room, hoping to locate his brother. Not seeing him in the front room, Danny
moved onto the kitchen, where he saw him sitting at the bar, and talking with a couple friends. "There any alcohol being served at this party?" Danny spoke up,
startling his brother, when he stopped directly behind him. Knowing the voice all too well, Jamie didn't even bother to turn around. Danny didn't think he would try to
flee, but he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder anyway. "N, no," Jamie's buddy, that Danny recognized as Ryan Tanner, the party thrower answered nervously.
"That's one thing in your favor," Danny nodded. "Do your parents know about this?" "No," Ryan shook his head. "There not here, they are out of town." "I would
imagine so," Danny ran a hand through his hair. "I know I wouldn't have done it, if my parents were in town." "Are you a cop?" Ryan figured, by all the questions.
"Yes," Jamie was the one to answer, never looking back. "I'm not here for the NYPD," Danny clarified. "What can I do for you?" Ryan was still a little apprehensive.
"He's here for me," Jamie mumbled. "He's my brother." "Good luck Jamie," Ryan was gone in a matter of seconds, not wanting to be anywhere near the two brothers,
when the eruption started. "Let's go Jamie," Danny kept his voice low, but there was no mistaking the seriousness behind it. Jamie sighed, but he didn't argue, as the
two hurriedly made their way to the car. Danny wasn't gone for but a few minutes, but Devon was crying by the time her Daddy got back in the car. "Great, just great
Jamie," Danny closed the door roughly. "I didn't do anything to her," Jamie grumbled. "Jamie, I just got her to go to sleep, when I realized you were gone!" Danny
was trying not to yell too loud, since Devon was in the car. But that was proving to be rather difficult, considering the time it was, and the struggle it took to even
comfort her enough, to get her to go to sleep, especially after the long day he had. "Sorry," Jamie muttered, the conversation in the car dropping to almost nothing for
several minutes. Danny doing his best to regain control of his temper. "How did you know where I was?" Jamie couldn't help but ask. "I have my ways," Danny
admitted. "You messed with my stuff, didn't you?" Jamie was angry. Danny again, didn't say anything, all he did was drive. "Did you have a warrant?" "Just shut up
Jamie, alright," Danny was fuming, still trying to figure out what to do. "Did you?" Jamie pushed. "I don't need a warrant Jamie! You're my brother, we live in the
same house, and our father would kill me if I didn't go get you!" Danny had a point. "Does he know?" Jamie's mind was racing. "No," Danny glanced at him. "Thanks,"
Jamie was beginning to count his blessings. "I snuck out to a party when I was your age," Danny remembered. "You have no idea how lucky you are that I came to
get you. I had Dad come get me." "What happened?" Jamie figured, he must have been too little to remember that. "He brought me home, and half killed me." Danny
shivered, just thinking about it. "Are you going to tell him?" Jamie couldn't help but ask, despite the fact, he was a little worried about the answer. "Still thinking about
it," Danny said, putting an end to their conversation.
XXXXXXXX
Walking through the front door of their parent's home, Danny was met by their irate sister. "Where have you been? I have been calling you for an hour!" "I was a little
busy, going to pick up our kid brother up from a party, that I told him, he couldn't go to in the first place," Danny glared at Jamie. "I'm sorry," Jamie apologized again.
"What else do you want me to say?" "Nothing, absolutely nothing. I've heard enough out of you for a while." Danny said, before telling him to go upstairs and take a
shower. "What are you going to do?" Erin asked, following her older brother into the living room, who slumped onto the couch wearily, still holding a crying Devon.
"Mom and Dad are about to have one less kid, because I'm going to kill him." "Danny," Erin warned. "Just remember, you'll have to face Dad." "Are you kidding me?"
Danny looked at her questioningly. "Mom and Dad will be furious if I don't handle this right," Danny remembered the whole reason why he was left alone with his
daughter and brother. "You're going to have to tell them," Erin couldn't help but feel for both her brothers. Knowing how much trouble Jamie was going to be in, as
well as know how bad Danny was going to feel about breaking the news to them. "I know," Danny muttered, shifting Devon to another position, hoping to get her to
go back to sleep and stop all the fussing. "How long as she been fussing like that?" Erin wondered, noticing her niece's behavior. "Most of the day," Danny mumbled
tiredly. "Let me take her," Erin offered, reaching to take the baby from her father. "Gladly," Danny rubbed a hand over his tired face, multiple times, trying to rub the
sleepy away. "Maybe you should take her to the doctor tomorrow," she suggested. "I'll try to get her in to her pediatrician," Danny knew the constant crying, wasn't
something Devon did all the time. "I'll give her a bath, and get her ready for bed," Erin stood and started for the kitchen. "You go talk to Jamie." "Why do it get the
hard job?" Danny grumbled. "Because you're the oldest, and yeah, you're the oldest," she added, ignoring her brother's concerns. Danny stood, and solemnly made
his up the stairs, and over to his brother's room. "I already know what you are going to say Danny. And I'm sorry, I shouldn't have run off and went to the party."
Jamie was quick to apologize as he gathered his school books together, and placed them in his backpack. "Your right," Danny leaned against the wall, watching his
brother pace nervously about his room, doing a few odds and ends. Danny recognized the tactic, he was stalling. "You were already grounded Jamie, you have school
tomorrow, and Erin thinks that Devon is sick, so I had my reasons to why I didn't want you to go tonight." Danny explained. "Devon's sick?" Jamie sounded
concerned. "I thought she was just being fussy." "You understand why I was so upset now, about having to go get you?" "Yes," Jamie's voice was solemn. "Which is
why, for the rest of the time mom and dad are gone, you are going to be helping me with Devon," Danny told him. "Awe Danny," Jamie couldn't help but complain.
"And I'm telling Dad," Danny added, knowing that was going to be the worst part of the ordeal. Danny's words, made Jamie look almost sick, but he didn't say
anything. "You know I don't want to," Danny shook his head. "But not letting Dad handle everything, only gets me a long lecture, and very disappointed looks." Danny
reminded him of just a couple days ago. "I'm not going to say, I'm happy about it. But I understand," Jamie sighed. "Good. Now just enjoy your life before Dad gets
home, and go to sleep." "You know, I kind of miss the old you. Before you had Devon, you weren't nearly as serious about making the right choices." Jamie couldn't
help but admit. "Me and you both kid," Danny left the room, to go check on his sister's progress, knowing how much Davon hated baths. Walking into the kitchen, he
could see that Erin was just lifting her out of the sink. "Here," Danny grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her while Erin held her. "Please don't pee on Daddy,"
Danny was begging, as he took the wriggling infant from his sister. "That would just be the of the iceberg for Daddy today." Danny was by no means kidding, after the
long day he had. "Hang in there, big brother," Erin patted her brother on the back. With Danny tending to Devon, Erin let the water out of the sink, and picked up the
dirty clothes, and diaper. "I'm going to make her a quick bottle, but then I have to get home to Jack and Nicki." Erin could only imagine, the amount of trouble her
husband was having with getting their toddler to bed. "I know, thanks for the help," Danny gave her a small smile. "I'll call you tomorrow. Let me know what the
doctor says." Erin grabbed her stuff and headed for the door. Danny nodded, and then started for the stairs. Taking a seat on the rocking chair in the nursery, Danny
placed the nipple in her mouth. Devon moved it around with her tongue, but after a few minutes of trying, Devon took it. "Maybe you do love Daddy just a little bit,"
Danny smiled at his little girl.
Hope you all enjoyed the update, I know I enjoyed writing it. I didn't really intend for it to turn into 2 part story, but I guess that's how it goes sometimes. I've had a lot of requests for the return of Linda, and yes she will be in the next chapter... I'm going to be out of town and away from my computer for a week starting tomorrow, so don't expect an update immediately... Next on the list is an update for Andy, but I will try to work on Devon as soon as I can... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews, they mean a lot... JusticeStandsTRUE