Chapter 4

The next morning…

Stacy woke up to a gloomy morning. The clouds were heavy with rain. "Great, I hope this isn't some kind of omen."

She got up and showered. Then went to the phone, and called Fran. She grabbed herself a bagel, as she waited for someone to pick up.

Chrissy answered the phone after the third ring. "Hello, Hooker residence, Chrissy speaking."

"Hi, Chrissy. This is Stacy. Is your mom around?"

"Hey, Stacy. Yes, just a moment." Chrissy held the phone away from her ear. "Mom! Stacy's on the phone. She wishes to speak to you."

Stacy jerked the phone away from her ear, when Chrissy yelled, and laughed.

Fran came to the phone, taking an earring out. "Chrissy, it wasn't necessary to yell. I was just in the other room. Now, go finish getting ready for school."

"Yes, ma'am." She hands Fran the phone, and runs off to finish her hair.

Putting the phone to her ear, Fran answers her call. "Stacy, it's so nice to hear from you. Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no, Fran. There's nothing wrong. I just need your help."

"Oh, and how can I help you, Stacy?"

Stacy lets out a big sigh of relief. "Fran, Jim asked me the other night to marry him. I've said yes."

"Well congratulations, Stacy. How's your father taking it?"

"Pretty well, actually. I think he's glad that I'll have someone, when he moves to Florida." Stacy laughs. "He's looking forward to grandchildren."

"Natural response. What can I do to help, hon?"

"Fran, I need… want you to help me plan my wedding. Seeing as my mom's no longer here, I don't have someone to help me."

"Stacy, I'd be honored. Have you told Hooker?"

"About the engagement? Yes, he was there when Jim asked. About asking for your help? No. I'm going to tell him when I get to work. We're partners, now. They split Jim and me up, because of the engagement."

"Makes sense. Look, I'll help you either way. I have to run, hon. I have an early shift. I'll talk to you later."

"Ok, Fran, and thank you. Bye…"

Fran and Stacy hung up at the same time. Stacy kept her hand on the phone. She was contemplating calling Romano. However, she looked at her watch and realized the time. Jim would be picking her up in five minutes. She grabbed her duty belt and purse, and headed to the door, as Jim knocked on the door. Stacy opened the door in mid knock.

"You ready to go, hon?" Jim gave Stacy a kiss.

"Um… Yes." She kissed him back.

"Hey, you keep that up, we'll never make it to work. Then we'll both be in hot water." Jim said as he hugged Stacy.

Stacy laughed. "Hey, you're the one that started it." She said as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Maybe I should arrive earlier." Jim said with a grin.

Stacy grinned back at him, and closed the door. She made certain it was locked, before they turned to go. "Jim, we need to talk about something."

"Oh… oh… That doesn't sound good. Am I in trouble already?"

"Oh, no. Nothing like that. It's something my dad mentioned, and we've never talked about it. Nor have we spoken about what we'd do in that situation."

"Well what is it, Stacy?" Jim said as he opened the door to the car for Stacy.

Stacy stepped into the car and waited for Jim to get in before she started. "Dad said he was looking forward to spending time with the grandkids. Jim, we've never talked about having kids."

"Stacy, I'd love to have children. If that's what you want. I want you to be happy."

Stacy lets out a sigh of relief. "I want children, also. I, also don't want to give up my career."

"Why should you, Stacy? I don't see why you should have to stop being a cop, just because you are a mother."

"What about when I'm pregnant? Do you want me to stop working?"

"No, Stacy. Not unless you want to. When you're pregnant, just take desk duty. It'll be safer for you and for the baby. It'll also put my mind at ease."

"I think that's what dad and Hooker would want, as well. Speaking of Hooker, I'll start riding with him, today."

"Oh, you mean I'll lose my partner, today?"

"Yep. Sorry, Jim."

"Well I may lose my partner at work, but I won't lose my partner for life."

"Of course not. You're stuck with me."

Jim laughed, as they pulled up to the precinct. "Just be careful out there. We're not married, yet."

"You be careful, too." She got out of the car, and walked around to the front of it, as Jim locked up.

They walked into the precinct together, like old times.