I woke up the next morning to the smell of a hot breakfast cooking. Once I was dressed for work, I sat down in the kitchen with the kids to eat. Rosalina was serving eggs sunny side up , fresh hash browns , and slices of grilled pork roll. It was hard to contain the smile on my face as I dug into the hardy breakfast on the table. Happily, the kids chattered as they scarfed down their food.
"What's wrong , Jo? Why so quiet ?" Rosalina asked.
"Nothing , I was just thinking about what a lucky man I am. It's great to be here with you and the kids to enjoy this wonderful breakfast. Do you cook like this every morning?"
"Of course,the kids are growing and they need a healthy breakfast. What kind of woman would send her man off without a decent meal to get his day started? Severing cold cereal just won't do,"Rosalina replied.
"You are an amazing woman, Rosalina. I love you."
She sat on my lap and refilled my juice. Then she placed a kiss on my lips."Tell me something I don't know, Joe" she teased.
After me and the kids had finished eating, I started to clear the table.
"No, no, no, that is my job. I do the dishes after taking the kids to school. Rosalina told me."
"Why don't you let me take them today ? That way you don't have to take a sick baby out of the house."
She leaned in close and kissed me passionately, " Seeing you fall into the husband role is so sexy. I'm going to have to reward you tonight," Rosalina whispered. Giovanna and Valentino lined up to get their lunches ,then we all headed out the door.
"Joe, you forgot your lunch," Rosalina called.
"Mine, you packed me a lunch too ?"
"Well duh," she said with an eye roll.
I dropped Valentino off at school and Giavanna at her morning play group. Then I was off to work.
As soon as I got into my office I noticed had a new case on my desk. This meant I would have to go sign out evidence. Since Stephanie was out of the office, I would have to see Lula.
"Well, well, well , if it isn't officer Morelli ?" Lula sang as I walked through the door.
"Lula, how are you today? I asked cautiously"
"How's the family Joe? Your other woman and the baby," Lula said with a smirk.
"That wasn't what it looked like, Lula. Besides, it's none of your business."
"Steph's my girl! So it is my business. Don't tell me it what it looked like. Cause me and my, Tankie saw you all hugged up with another woman!"
"You think you're doing Stephanie a favor by interfering in her marriage?" I shouted.
"Come on Lula,what's she going do leave me? Steph is over thirty with a part time job. She is on her second marriage. I love Stephanie and I don't want to see her hurt! That is all you are going do if you ..."
"Love her ?!" Lula laughed.
"Look, Lula , just go get me my evidence and stay out of my marriage," I hissed. "
She stomped around and filled the box. Then Lula angrily slammed it into my chest.
As soon as I got back to my office the phone rang. I smiled as I checked the caller I.D.
"Hi there Cupcake. How are things in Atlanta ? I asked"
"Great ,Joe ! I have met some really interesting people. Everyone keeps telling me how impressed they are with my work. The FBI wants to know if I would like to stay a few more days,"Stephanie beamed.
"So, when can I expect to get my wife back ? "
"Looks like Monday afternoon. Do you miss me?" she asked.
"Of course I miss you, me, Bob, and the boys.
"It's always about your boy, she laughed. I have to go now. I just wanted to check in with you, Joe. Love you."
"I love you too Cupcake."
"Awe, how sweet," Carl Costanza teased as he flopped in a chair in front of my desk.
"What can I do for you, Carl ?"
"My and Big dog are headed over to Pino's. You want us to pick up something for you?"
"No, Lunch is covered," I said pointing to the bag Rosalina had packed for me.
"What did you do, get your mommy to take care of you since Steph's out of town?"
"Ha ha, Costanza. Shows what you know. Your mama made me lunch," I joked.
"Those are fighting word, Joe," he said as he left my office.
The week quickly flew by as I settled into a routine with Rosalina and the kids at home. Breakfast in the morning, followed by taking the kids to school. Then I would spend my mornings working on my case and my lunch talking to my wife. There were no late nights spent working at the police station. Instead, I left in time to pick the kids up from school. The evenings were full of homework , play time , and dinner. I felt at home with Rosalina and the kids. At the same time, I was missing my Cupcake. I looked forward to her calls at work.
It was the weekend and I had decided to give Rosalina the night off from cooking dinner. We all piled into the car and headed to a supermarket the next time over to get food to grill for dinner. Traffic was terrible on the way back and an airport shuttle was tailgating for half the drive. When we turned into the neighborhood the driver cut us off and drove around.
"He must be late picking someone up," Rosalina said as I leaned on my horn.
"Doesn't give him the right to drive like a lunatic. We have kids in the car ," I grumbled.
I went inside to start marinating the meat and chopping vegetables for the grill. Next, I set up the Barbecue in a corner of the yard away from where the kids played. I filled a cooler with ice, sodas, juice, and beer. Then, I took the cooler and the food outside.
"Hey, kids come out here! I got something for you and Bob to play with," I said.
Giavonna , Valentino, and Bob all bolted out of the back door with excitement. I showed them the tennis ball launcher I had bought at the pet store the day before. Then, I instructed them how to use it. The tennis ball shot out of the launcher and flew across the yard. Bob ran full speed and retrieved the ball. Next, he brought it back to the kids to launch again. Giavonna and Valentino laughed with delight as they each took turns shooting the ball to Bob. Rosalina brought the baby out to inquire about the commotion she heard. Both Antonio and his mama laughed at the sight of Bob and the kids playing.
"The kids are loving that dog. I don't know what they are going to do when you go home" Rosalina sighed.
"I think Bob is starting to love all of you too," I said.
Bob ran over to Rosalina and nuzzled her leg. She gave Bob a pet on the head. Then he went back to playing with the kids. When the burgers were done, I placed one on a bun with cheese for each of the kids, me and Rosalina, before carrying them to the table. Next, I took two juices out of the cooler for the kids and a beer for me.
"Here hold him. I'm going to run in and get his chair so he can sit with us at the table," Rosalina told me as she handed me the baby.
"Go in the house with your mama and get washed up for supper," I told Giovanna and Valentino.
"Rosalina, do you want a beer or soda?" I called to her.
"I'll take a beer, Joe," a voice said from over the gate.
"Cupcake? "
"Yeah, Joe. After what I just saw I could use a drink," Stephanie sighed.
I stood there wide-eyed as she entered the back yard and took a seat at the picnic table. Bob came running over to Steph. He rested his head in her lap. Stephanie looked up at me. Sadness clouded her expression.
"I can't believe you brought poor Bob into this," she said giving him a hug.
Rosalina and the kids came running out of the house. Valentino looked up at Stephanie. "Wow , will you marry me when I grow up he asked?"
A painful laugh escaped from her throat and a tear slid from her eye.
"Sure cutie. Looks like I'm about to be back on the dating scene again," she said as she ruffled his hair.
"Steph there are kids here , don't ... "
"Joe , who is this woman?" Rosalina asked.
Stephanie walked over to Rosalina and extended her hand." Hi, Stephanie Morelli. Nice to meet you."
"Are you Joe's sister or one of his cousins?" Rosalina asked.
"No ,I'm his wife. But it looks like you are soon to be his next Mrs. Morelli.
Stephanie took off her diamond wedding band and placed in Rosalina's hand. Then she turned and walked away. I handed the baby back to his mama and went after my wife.
"Stephanie wait."
"Go away ,Joe !"
I grabbed Stephanie by her shirt and spun her around.
"I'm sorry I hurt you. What I was doing was not fair to you as my wife. I have no excuse. But you have to know I love Cupcake. I really do!"
That's when Steph spotted the baseball bat that was leaning against the house. She picked it up and swung at me.
"YOU WHAT ? LOVE HA! YEAH RIGHT JOE!" she screamed.
The bat missed me and hit my SUV, taking out a taillight. Stephanie smiled when she realized what had happened. Then she proceeded to launch an attack on the rest of the vehicle. When I tried to stop Cupcake , Lula jumped out of the black SUV parked across the street.
"Don't you touch her, Morelli! If you lay one hand on my girl, Tank will have to get out,"Lula threatened.
When Stephanie was finished vandalizing my car she was laughing hysterically. My SUV was full of dents and it had several broken windows. I watched as tears slid from Stephanie's eyes even while she laughed.
"I 'm sorry Steph," I said as I tried to take her in my arm.
"Come on girl. Let's get you home," Lula said as she wrapped her arm around Stephanie's shoulder. I watched as they got into the black SUV and pulled off.
