Chapter Thirty-Six

Eddie got up to fix Jamie's coffee, breakfast, and lunch...she was determined to provide home care services for him and their girls until time ran out or he pulled the plug. Jamie woke to the smell of breakfast, shuffling into the kitchen. "Morning."

"Morning. We have so much food already, I just have to go and get cereal and stuff for Mary and Bella"

"Sure it smells great," Jamie walked up behind Eddie for a hug.

She stiffened again. "Jamie, why are you doing this? Holding me, trying to cuddle with me?"

"That's what married people do Eddie I love you your my best friend."

She sucked in a breath, "what changed between the other night and now?"

"Nothing Eddie I stand by what I said we need to stop making each other sad and build each other up."

She nodded then turned to him, "All right, Sheriff Reagan. You be safe and smart today. Are you home for dinner?"

"Yeah I should be," Jamie nodded. "And I promise to be safe."

Eddie nodded and started to get things ready for Bella's feed. She would let Mary sleep as long as she could before starting the day.

Jamie felt nervous as he stepped into his new office. He wanted his wife by his side but knew that wasn't possible

Donald greeted him with a smile and handshake taking Jamie back to his office. "Are you ready for your first day?"

"More than ready," Jamie smiled. "We feel so welcome here already. Is there anything pending now that needs my attention?"

"Sounds like you're ready…no nerves?" David gave him a smile offering Jamie a seat.

They went over a few of the open cases then Sheriff Paul stood up. "It's all yours now, Sheriff Reagan. You'll do great things I know."

"Thank you very much sir," Jamie stood and shook hands with him.

Jamie sat behind the desk then looked out at all the deputies. There were only six per shift. It was such a change from the NYPD he thought watching them work.

He dug into the files surprised to see how many involved crimes he had.

One of the deputies walked over to the desk smiling. "Hey, you're Jamie Reagan, the new sheriff."

"Yes, Deputy Hall, good to see you. Perhaps you can shed some light on these open cases."

"Sure Sheriff," Hall took a seat catching him up on the cases without glancing at any files

"These are all Amish Vic's," he replied. "They won't press charges or testify so they stay open."

Jamie sighed, "Okay, no blood or any other evidence? Fingerprints? Hair?"

"No," he replied. "These are basic assaults, beard trimming, hair cutting, no one is really hurt, just their pride." Jamie sorted through the pictures nodding as he looked over the files.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Eddie was getting the girls ready to go to the store. "Mary I can do that for you," Eddie said picking Bella up

"I can Mommy, I help you with Bella, remember when she got born and you said I was the big helper?"

"You are a really great helper honey," Eddie smiled. "Thank you." Mary got in her chair by herself and was down the ramp before Eddie locked the door. Faith had written down the name of a few Amish run grocery stores, Eddie headed for the nearest one. The Beilers.

Mary looked out the window the entire time amazed at the new scenery. "Mommy look."

"What, baby?" she asked as they drove slowly.

"Look there, it's a huge field and they have animals!"

"Yes they do! What are all those animals? Can you name them?"

"I see a horse and they have a cow too a lot of cows."

"Yes..." Eddie smiled. "Smart girl!" They pulled up to the grocery and saw several buggies along with cars.

"Wow Mommy those are the buggies they look so fun."

"We can see about getting a ride in one when we are done getting settled. The moving men are coming later with your bed and Mommy and Daddy's new furniture?"

Mary smiled happily as Eddie put her in her seat, watching an Amish couple walk out. "Mommy look."

Eddie smiled at them, "Mrs. Reagan, we are the Kings, I'm sorry we couldn't come meet you yesterday." Eddie was surprised they knew her.

"It's all right nice to meet you. These are my daughters Mary and Bella," Eddie smiled.

They smiled at Mary and Bella "So precious. You come and see us we live three farms over from your house."

"Thank you we will it was great meeting you," Eddie smiled.

Eddie got all the items they needed and was happy to see Faith behind the counter. "Hey how are you?"

"Hi Faith adjusting well how are you? Say hi Mary," Eddie encouraged.

"Hi," Mary smiled. "Mommy..." She was starting to go at her leg.

"Is your leg hurting again? We're almost done honey."

"Hurts..." Mary whimpered. "That bed was no good."

"Oh honey I'm sorry, your new bed is coming today," Eddie soothed.

Faith smiled at Mary and reached to touch her little hand. She said a prayer and rubbed the top of her head. "I'll come later to help?"

Eddie smiled, "that is very kind of you thank you."

"Around 3," she smiled. "See you then, take this sweet girl home. Eddie thanked her again taking their bags and pushing the chair

The movers brought their furniture from New York and the new furniture was delivered. Eddie set up Jamie's things in the second largest room, keeping Bella in the master with her.

Mary watched the furniture coming in by a lot of people. She turned to look out the window sighing.

Eddie was always in tune with her children, "What is it Mary? Are you sleepy?"

"A little Mommy, my leg is kind of annoying and I want to see more."

"See more?" Eddie asked. "You can see well from this window can't you?"

"Yeah but it's the same thing. I want to see what else is here"

"We will honey," Eddie promised. "Do you want to rock Bella to sleep for me?"

"Okay Mommy," Mary agreed holding her arms at the ready.

Eddie settled her on the couch with her leg up and Bella in her arms. Bella felt more like playing than sleeping and tried to grab Mary's hair and nose, cooing as she went

"No, Bella its time for a nap, Mommy said so. Close your eyes and go to sleep I'm right here," Mary said

Mary rocked gently and finally the baby went to sleep. At 3, the bell rang and it was Faith and Rachel.

"Come on in," Eddie smiled letting them in.

"Oh my you have made this so nice already," Faith smiled then looked at the photograph wall. "Oh, your little boy..."

"Yeah that's Joe," Eddie turned away from the picture. "Can I offer you anything?"

"Water or lemonade," they replied. "We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and all those involved in this."

"Thank you we really appreciate it, please sit down," Eddie went to get them drinks

They started to talk, and Eddie was surprised at their warmth. "We have had our share of tragedy, make no mistake."

"I'm sorry to hear that too," Eddie told her sincerely.

""We are here for you," Faith told her softly. "You are not alone, not at all."

Eddie smiled, "that's really nice to know thanks."

"On Sunday, this is a church Sunday, but afterward there is a meal at my sister's house. Would you and Jamie come with your girls?"

"Sure, we'd love to what time should we be there? Is there anything I can bring?"

"Just yourselves," Faith smiled. "Come around 1. We'll be so glad to have you."

Eddie smiled feeling good around them. "We'll be there thanks."

Eddie saw the ladies out, they had the house nearly perfect before they left. Eddie saw so far ahead she was able to get the girls a good bath and put them in bed before Jamie got home.

"Love you Mommy," Mary whispered sleepy eyed as she got in bed

"Love you too, baby," Eddie replied. She propped pillows all around Mary's leg and kissed her head softly. "Come on Bella, girl, night night time."

Mary had her eyes closed and was asleep within minutes of being tucked in.