Before Us Ch. 3

Isa found herself staring in the mirror, anxious about her first meeting with Mrs. Luca, almost terrified of the woman not liking her. Exhaling slowly, she could see that Goliath was sitting on her bed, he was ready to get going. "Stop looking at me like that." Chuckling as he huffed at her. "You're not going to the hospital; I'm bringing you to the house first."

With a last look at herself, pleased at her appearance, Isa grabbed the last of the things from the bathroom and made her way into her room. Double checking everything, pleased to see that nothing was left behind, from her clothes to her trinkets, everything was handled, not that she had a lot. Even her mail, she always kept a P.O Box since she arrived in the city, not wanting to keep changing addresses.

Opening the door, Isa grabbed her keys, smiling down at Goliath, "alla macchina." Making her way down the stairs, Goliath was leading the way. Popping the back of the trunk, once he was secured, Isa made her way to the driver's side and made her way over to David's house. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, but she was more than ready to start this new journey.

Matthew watched as his dad attempted to make something other than cereal, but so far, those pancakes looked a little crispy. Frowning as the burnt smell reached his nose. Leaning forward on his elbow, he knew he was trying, but he was getting tired of burnt food. Looking over to his sister, her face was telling him that she was tired of it too.

"Daddy, how much longer?" he asked him. While it didn't smell good, his Sunday school teacher said that we should all be grateful to have enough to eat.

Frowning at the food, "In a minute buddy." Flipping it over, he heard a lite knock at the door. Tossing this batch in the trash, "Lila, Matthew, do not touch this stove, I will be right back."

Taking a hold of his sister's hand, "We won't."

Lila frowned, she was hungry, "Yes daddy."

Looking through the peephole, David breathed a sigh of relief, opening it up, smiling as Isa stood there, Goliath at her side. "Good morning," stepping aside, "Please come in." Taking in her appearance, she was wearing a deep green sundress, with silver sandals, and her hair was down in a loose ponytail.

Isa could see the look of relief on his face, "Morning," stepping inside, her nose was hit with the smell of burnt food. Glancing around the house, it was an open concept, but it needed some updating, but it was a nice home. Letting her eyes roam over the room, her eyes settled on the kids that were sitting at the breakfast bar, looking sad at what was happening on the stove.

Matthew perked up when Ms. Isa walked in, "MORNING!" he yelled out.

Lila squealed, "ISA!"

Smiling at them, "Morning sweeties," looking down at Goliath who was sitting next to her patiently, "Go ahead."

David watched as the kids jumped out of their seats and hugged him. "I was making some breakfast, if you would like some." He offered her.

Following him to the kitchen, she could see that he had attempted pancakes. Feeling someone wrap their arms around her legs, she found Lila looking up at her. Crouching down, "Are you hungry?" she asked her.

Nodding her head, "It smells funny."

Biting her lip to keep from laughing, Isa rubbed her blonde hair, "I know it does smell a bit funny. How about you and Matthew show Goliath the house, and I'll get your pancakes done. Deal."

Matthew walked up to her giving her a hug, "Deal." Taking Lila by the hand, he looked over at Goliath, "want to see the house?" he asked the dog. Smiling wide when he started to follow him.

Standing up, Isa made her way into the kitchen, started to wash her hands, cleaned up the mess, and began to start a new batch of batter. Looking up, Isa found him staring at her, "As part of this arrangement I plan on showing you how not to murder your food."

Chuckling a bit, "You're funny." David realized that when she walked into the house, she didn't have any of her bags. "Isa, is your truck open?"

Flipping the pancakes, Isa shook her head, "No, why?"

Extending his hand, "Give me your keys." His eyes never leaving hers. He watched as her eyes went through several emotions, but the most surprising one was defiance. "Please."

Reaching into her pocket, Isa dropped them into his hands, "Can I ask you, why?" Frowning as he smiled at her and walked out the door. Shaking her head, "Kids, breakfast is ready." Laughing a bit as she heard their feet pounding on the hardwood floor.

Seeing them round the corner, she placed their plates down, "Eat up, then after we wash are hands, and brush are teeth, understood?"

"Yes Isa." They chimed.

Turning around, Isa started to get his breakfast ready with hers, only looking up when she heard the front door. Gasping as she watched him bring in all three of her bags. "David, I could have gotten those."

Kicking the door shut with his foot, "It's the least I can do, since you're saving my attempt at breakfast." Heading down the hall, David wanted to place everything in her room, the kids spent the morning cleaning it up for her. Dropping her bags next to the bed, he made his way out to the kitchen, enjoying the smell of delicious food cooking. As he made his way into the kitchen, he found her and the kids sitting at the bar eating all of her food.

Isa looked over her shoulder, finding him standing there, pushing his plate closer to him, "Thank you for bringing in my bags."

Sitting down next to her, almost moaning around the first bite. Seeing her watch him out of the corner of his eye, "This is amazing, thank you." Glancing down, she made a cinnamon pancake with scrambled eggs. For the first time in years, he had a wonderful homemade breakfast.

David stood next to her as she washed the dishes, drying them as she handed them over, glancing over his shoulder, he watched as Matthew and Lila sat at the table waiting for them to be done. "How'd you get them to brush their teeth and wait patiently." Curious about her technique.

Handing him the last dish, "Currently I'm using Goliath, can't play with the dog until chores are done, but over the next week or two, I will get with you with on what chores you want to instill, what punishments you will allow me to enforce, does that work for you?" Drying her hands, Isa watched as his eyes lit up.

Folding his arms across his chest, he could see that she was serious, normally in his experience, Annie would set the standards, and he was just told to mind his business that it was her job since he was never home. "Honestly, Annie handled their discipline, this past year, I've not had too many issues with them, but I would really like a parenting plan."

Smiling at him, "Well, then we will come up with something that you agree on and go from there." Checking her watch, it was almost 11, "Anything else that you need to get done before we head out?" Her eyes looked around the house seeing that there were a few things that needed to get done to organize the inside.

"Nothing that can't be done until I get back." Looking over at his kids, "Alrighty, let's go kids." Grabbing his keys, his eyes found Isa placing down some water for her dog, chuckling as he just sat there waiting.

Isa rubbed his face, "Be a good boy." Standing up, she could see he was waiting for her command, staring at him from a moment longer. "Routtura." Feeling David staring at her, "He won't touch his food or water until I give him his command."

Opening the door, David couldn't help but smile, "In Italian?" Carefully shutting the door behind her as she walked out.

Walking over to his charger, Isa carefully buckled in Lila as David took care of Matthew, getting into the front seat, looking at him as he started the car. "My nonna made sure to teach me until she passed, mom kept up the practice until she passed, and since I don't have kids, currently Goliath is my only option to keep it up."

David just nodded, she really was impressive, he was very lucky that she was so willing to do this for him and his family. Looking over at her, he could see that she was biting her lip, almost as though she was nervous. "You shouldn't be nervous; I have a feeling Carol is going to love you."

"Yeah, Mrs. Luca is super nice!" Chimed in Matthew.

Lila giggled, "She's makes cupcakes!"

Turning around in her seat, "She does, well than she has to super cool!" Smiling at their faces. Turning around, she found David watching her at the red light, "Yes?"

David couldn't help but smile, she was naturally a kind person, and that made his heart melt a bit. Nothing meant more to him than having someone that was loving, and kind around his children. "Nothing, absolutely nothing." Seeing the light turn green, David made the way towards the hospital.

Luca looked over at his mom, his dad holding her hand, but it was her face, she was absolutely determined to interrogate this Isa. "Ma, please don't scare her off, Deac really needs this." But he knew it as coming from a good place, but without this help, Deac could lose his kids.

Carol gave him a stern look, "Do not lecture me. If she is not a good fit, I will not allow her near those kids," turning to her husband, who was in agreement, "we already decided that if it came down to it, we would pay for a nanny."

"Really, ma, why?"

With the help of her husband, Carol sat up, "Dominque, Annie was a good mom, those kids need someone that cares for them, and if I can't do that, then I will help financially until I am clear to go back." Taking a sip of water, "Since you or your brother are refusing to give me grandkids."

Rolling his eyes, "Ma, I'll have kids one day, geez." Luca could feel his cheeks getting red.

As his father went to retort, a knock on the door stopped them all in their tracks. Luca stood up and opened the door, his face smiling when he saw the kids, Deac, and a beautiful blonde standing next to him. "Hey," stepping aside, "Come on in."

David ushered his kids in, "Remember what I said on the way up," making sure that they didn't jump on Carol. Following behind Isa, he could see that Luca was staring at her, he couldn't blame the man, she was stunning. Stepping a bit closer, his hand on her shoulder, "Isa, this is Dominque Luca, his mother Carol, and father Carl, everyone this is Isabella Hayes."

Extending her hand to Dominique, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dominque."

Taking her hand, Luca couldn't help but blush a bit, she was small, curvy, and fucking gorgeous. "Nice to meet you too, please call me Luca." he said, kissing her hand.

Slowly taking her hand from his, Isa blushed, he was handsome, but she had a sixth sense about people, he was a great guy, but he wasn't ready to settle down. "Luca, please call me Isa." Turning towards the older couple, she extended her hand, smiling at them both, "Carl and Carol, it is a pleasure to meet you too."

Carl smiled at her, she was well put together, clean, and she seemed kind. "Wonderful to meet you dear." Looking down at his wife, he could see that she was sizing the young woman up.

Carol gently took her hand, pleased to see that she was giving a firm handshake, "Pleasure dear." Looking over at her son, she could see that he was practically drooling over her. Letting her eyes take her in, from her toes to her hair, she was well put together. Her dress was form-fitting, but it wasn't inappropriate, it was something that reminded her from the 60's.

Isa could see that the woman was taking her time in judgment, taking a seat, she could see that she was more interested in the kids for the moment. However, there was small talk, but after about an hour, she couldn't stop the smirk on her face as Carol ever so eloquently kicked everyone out. Her eyes found David watching her, concern filled them. Waving him off, as much as she appreciated it, this was something that was needed for her to feel comfortable to be around the kids.

Carol watched as she waved him off, it wasn't until the door shut did she speak. "You're smart, and I can appreciate that."

Isa cleared her throat, "Thank you, Mrs. Luca." Turning her body towards her, exhaling slowly, Isa just downloaded her on everything that she told David, figuring that it was what she wanted to know.

Sitting up, Carol listened as Isabella explained herself, she was an interesting young woman, her dedication to her education, and her selflessness was something to be admired. Perhaps if her son was able to pull his head out of his ass, she would love for him to settle down with someone like her. Letting her finish, Carol chuckled as she showed her the pictures of her dog.

"He's beautiful. However, he's a giant moose." She said, handing her back the phone. "So, tell me, are you dating anyone?" Figured that a young woman like her would have men beating down her door.

Blushing a bit, "No, even if I wasn't willing to do this for David, dating in L.A has been horrible, so for now, I'm just going to focus on school and the kids." Shivering at the thought of her last date, the dude was just rude and expected her to fuck him because he paid for a drink.

Carol could only agree, times have changed since the time that she and Carl got together. "I couldn't even imagine dating in this day and age." Leaning back, "Now, we need to discuss one thing that scares me, Cathleen Buchanan, what do you know about the woman?"

Isa stared at her, "Yeah, it was one of the things that David explained in great detail." Crossing her legs, "Later this evening, or tomorrow night, we are planning to make a contract about our arrangement, have it notarized so that if she does come sniffing around, I can respectfully tell her to piss off."

"That is single handedly the best thing I've heard all week." Unable to keep the smile off her face, reaching for her pen, "Here's the deal, you call me when she comes around. You call me." Handing her the paper, "Please."

Tucking it back into her purse, "You have a deal." Leaning back, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, sweetie." While the situation was a bit unconventional, Carol could see that Isabella was not only kind, smart, and sweet, but she was genuine. That was exceedingly rare for this generation of people, and she was thankful for that.

Tucking some loose hair behind her ear, Isa could see why the kids liked her, she was a grandma at heart. Taking a small breath in, Isa found the woman watching her, "Since you spent the last year with the kids, when they were being naughty or needed a little discipline, what was your go to method?" It was important to maintain consistency with them.

A huge smile spread across her face, if she was being honest, she was surprised but grateful that she valued her opinion. "Thank you for asking, they are pretty good kids, so the few times that Lila threw a tantrum or Matthew didn't want to do something, I used time out." Looking up as the door slowly opened, wanting to finish her thought, "But as they get older other options should be explored."

Luca pushed open the door, his dad, Deac, and the kids behind him, "I brought you some ice cream." He said to her. His eyes finding Isa sitting next to her, both women had a smile on their faces, so at least whatever happened was good.

Smiling up at her son, "Thank you baby."

Matthew and Lila ran towards Isa, "We got you some too!" They squealed together.

Taking the little cup, Isa rubbed their heads, "How did you guys know I loved ice cream?"

Lila smiled wide, "Cause you're a girl like me!"

Snorting, "You know, I think that's a very good reason. But do boys like ice cream?" she asked her.

Looking over at her brother, Lila nodded, "YES!"

Chuckling, Isa sat back and ate her ice cream, enjoying watching the kids play with Luca, he was a good uncle. As she talked with his parents, she could feel David watching her, giving him a small smile, but before she could ask him what he was looking at, Lila crawled into her lap.

David watched as his kids hovered near Isa, Lila enjoying being held, Matthew seemed content with her, and Carol approved of her. It was more than he felt that he deserved, but he was grateful to God, for bringing her into his life. Chris for thinking of her when he was ready to toss in the towel, and mostly to her for being so selfless, without her, his life would have come crashing down.

Isa watched as the kids played with their toys, David was on the floor with them, Goliath lying next to them all, as though he was watching over the family. Turning her attention back to the dough that she was rolling out, pleased that he had things to make a simple ravioli with chicken parm filling.

"Can I help?"

Looking over the counter, Isa found Lila's big blue eyes staring back, "Wash those stinky hands, and get over here." Chucking a bit as she watched the little girl run off to the bathroom. It only took a moment for her little feet to be heard running back, using her foot, Isa pulled a stool next to her and watched as she climbed up and was ready to go.

Sprinkling some flour on her hands, "A little flour on the counter and your little hands, keeps the dough from sticking, but too much it makes it taste gross, got it?"

"YUP!"

Cutting a piece off for her, "Now, you're going to roll it into a ball, like this." Showing her how to get it nice and round. Smiling as she copied her with her piece.

David watched as Isa taught Lila how to make fresh pasta, his eyes never leaving his daughter, her smile brightened the room. Letting his eyes fall onto Isa, she was engaged with her, taking her time to explain everything, but what was most amusing was how much flour Lila was getting all over herself and Isa.

Hearing his sister laugh, Matthew couldn't help but smile, "She's happy again."

Looking down at his son, "Yeah, she is." Seeing his face, "What about you, are you happy?" he asked him.

Picking at his shoes, "Sometimes." Looking up, his eyes finding Isa and Lila standing over the stove, "I miss mommy, but Isa is super nice," rubbing Goliath's belly, "doesn't hurt to have him around." Laughing as his leg started shaking when he kept scratching.

Sighing, "I miss mom too," rubbing his beard, his eyes turning back to Isa and Lila, who seemed hard at work making a sauce, and it smelled delicious. "But I think we are doing OK, and I like her too, and even this monster." Reaching over to rub his belly.

Matthew laughed, "Is it bad that we are a little happy?" A little worried that his mommy would be mad at them.

"No, I think that your mom would want us to be happy." While he wasn't jumping for joy, he could feel some contentment, and he'd be lying if it didn't feel a little strange after all this time.

Perking up at that, Matthew hugged his dad, "Good, cause Isa makes me happy."

Wrapping his arms around his son, David could feel a small tear starting to slide down, grateful for his words. "Yeah. She's awesome."

Isa looked over at the guys hugging each other in the living room, it brought a smile to her face. Looking down at the little girl next to her, smiling at all the flour on her face. "You did a good job, now," reaching for the forks and napkins, "would you please put these on the table?"

Wiping her face off with her shirt, Lila grabbed the forks, and attempted to set the table. "LOOK DADDY!" she squealed out.

Moving to stand, David and Matthew made their way over to the table. Crouching down, David kissed her forehead, "You did a good job, now let's get to our seats and eat." Lifting her up, he placed her in her chair, his eyes finding Matthew sitting in his. Walking to the kitchen, he grabbed the kids' plates setting them down, turning to Isa, he found her making her way over with the last two, "I'll grab the drinks."

Isa took her place next to Lila, while she was sure that he wouldn't care that she was sitting at the head of the table, that was their mom's spot.

David looked around the table, seeing everyone waiting on him, making the sign of the cross, smiling when the rest of them followed. "Blessed O Lord for these thy gifts for which we are about to receive, from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Amen."

Taking the first bite, David had to resist moaning around his fork, it single-handedly the best dish of ravioli's that's he's eaten. After a few bites, he wiped his mouth, "Isa, this is fantastic thank you." Looking over at Lila, "and thank you for helping."

Isa chuckled at the 4-year-old, her face was covered in sauce, but it was her smile that was perfection. "You are welcome, and I had a fantastic helper." Seeing Matthew's face, who looked a little disappointed, seeing his eyes lock on hers, "I will probably need your help over the next few weeks as well, if you want to."

"Really?!" Excited that he was going to be able to help.

Nodding, "Of course, I'm going to teach you how to make tortillas!"

"That's so cool," looking over at his dad, "Isn't that cool?"

Finding his son watching him, David couldn't help but smile, "Super cool." Turning his eyes towards Isa, he mouthed 'Thank you.' Smirking when she winked at him.

Dinner was a relaxing thing, they all ate, talked about the upcoming school year, Matthew was nervous, he was going to start 1st grade, and Lila was going to go to VPK during the week, which she was excited about.

As they finished up, Isa had the kids carefully bring the dishes to the counter, and wipe off the table, once they finished, she crouched down to the both of them. "Here's the deal, every meal, you both will help clear the table and wipe it down. Is that understood?"

Matthew nodded, "Yes. Is that our chore?"

Smiling at him, "It is, over the next few days, your dad and I will make a chore list of what you have to do before you can play. He will set the rules, and I will make sure you follow them," looking at her watch, "Now, I'm going set a timer, when it goes off, that means, we are picking up our toys, bathing, brushing our teeth, and getting ready for bed. Got it?"

Lila nodded, "YES!"

Smirking, "And GO!" chuckling as the kids darted towards their toys. Standing up, she found David watching her, shrugging her shoulders, she headed to the kitchen, prepping their lunches for the next day. She could see him heading towards her, but she held up her hand, "No, tonight and tomorrow night is your last day with them before you return to your SWAT schedule, spend time with them."

"Isa, I can't expect you to clean up everything alone." Taking another step, but found his way blocked by her.

Folding her arms, Isa stared into his brown eyes, "Sgt. you do not want to take this on." She said, pointing to herself. "Will I be your maid no, but the next few days will be a huge adjustment for us all, so please, take the time with them." Her eyes never leaving his.

David couldn't help but laugh, standing about a foot away, he could see that she wasn't budging. "I don't want to mess with you, huh?" Chuckling as her eyes gleamed with mischief.

Smirking up at him, "Golia, proteggi."

David watched as the normally docile dog jumped up, growled and stood at her side, his teeth bared. Naturally he took a step back. "I see. That's terrifying."

Smiling at him, "You have your team, I have mine." Lightly touching his head, "Rilassati Golia." With that she watched as he trotted back over towards his bed. Turning back to the man in front of her, pointing to their room, "Go, please."

Stepping towards her, his eyes darting to the dog, pleased to see that he was on his back, already snoring. Placing his hand on her shoulder, "For now, a tactical retreat." Stepping back, "Thank you." Turning on his heels, he made his way to the game room, grateful that she was giving him the extra time with them.

Isa watched as he headed to the back of the house, sighing in relief, it was important for him to spend time with his children. Turning back to the kitchen, it wasn't going to take her long, since she always cleaned as she went onto the next thing. After about 15 minutes, she was finished, heading towards the freezer, fridge, and pantry, she made a list of the things that they needed for the next month, but as for the veggies, and herbs, she was going to talk to him about starting a garden.

Sitting outside on the porch, David found her reading by the pool, "I got the kids to bed," plopping down next to her, "they both just passed out." Leaning back, he could see her still looking down at her book, a small smile graced her lips.

Without looking up, "That's good, it won't always be this easy, but I hope to keep them tired after school." Putting in a bookmark, Isa closed it and placed it on the table next to her, reaching down for her tablet, she opened a document and handed it to him. "This is a rough draft of a contract, that I feel would outline both our expectations, disciplinary actions that you would allow me to enforce, and what would be appropriate course of action when dealing with your mother-in-law."

Glancing down, David was surprised, it was a lengthy but from his quick cursory read it was well put together. Looking over at her, "When did you have time to write this?"

Opening her book, "I wrote it after I left after the park, and when I was done packing my clothes." Smirking at his face, "Read it through and we'll update it as you go through it." Looking down, Isa turned her attention back to her trashy romance novel, while absolutely trash, they were a fun read.

Surprised was the only word that he could come up with, crossing his leg, he settled in to read what she wrote. "Are you always this studious?" he asked as he dove into her writing. However, it was her lack of response and just a snort that told him, yes, she really was this organized and efficient.

Isa placed her book down, it was one of the things she adored about these books, trashy and a quick read. Looking over at him, Isa couldn't help admiring him, he was a handsome man, with strong features, with his salt/pepper in his hair & beard he could be on the cover of one of her trashy novels. Realizing that she was staring, Isa turned her eyes back to the yard, mentally planning on where she was going to put the garden.

David read everything, and re-read it, it was almost perfect, there were only a few things that he really wanted to amend. Handing her the tablet, "The only items I would like to see adjusted would be their chores."

Folding her legs under her, Isa turned to face him more, "OK, what about them needs adjusting?" Scrolling down to that section ready to make an amendment. Turning her eyes towards him, smiling as he looked almost surprised that she was ready to work.

It took a moment for his brain to catch up, it was still a little strange to have a say in how they were raised. Clearing his throat, "You have them making their beds, cleaning up their toys, and setting the table. If possible, I'd really like them both to take an active role in taking care of Goliath."

Looking up at him, she was a little surprised, but she wasn't going to complain, it was important in her mind for kids to take care of animals. "Got it. How about walks, along with feeding?"

"That sounds perfect." David watched as she typed everything into her tablet, he couldn't help but watch her intently, she was the first person in a great many years that he just seemed relaxed around. He loved Annie, but there were times, even when they were dating, that he felt pressure to consistently impress her and her mother. But he didn't have that pressure with her, best guess was because it wasn't romantic in any way.

Finishing it up, Isa handed him the tablet, "How does it look now?"

Placing it down, David could see her frown, "Isabella, I think I can trust you. Right?" He couldn't help but chuckle a bit as her face scrunched up.

"Isabella? Should I be upset that I'm in trouble?" Rolling her neck, a little unnerved how intently he watched her, swallowing a bit, "and yes you can trust me." Grabbing her wine, she could see that he was still watching her, "You know, if staring is what you do, no wonder the criminals confess."

Tipping back his beer, laughing a bit, "Am I staring?" He knew that he was, while he could see that she was a beautiful woman, he knew it wasn't just that, it was how she presented herself. "You'd be surprised, this face does not get a lot of confessions, got to outsmart the bad guys."

"Well, let's just hope I never find out, but I've been told I'm pretty stubborn." A very small part of her was curious if she could withstand a SWAT interrogation.

Raising his eyebrow, his eyes never leaving hers, he could see her emotions, they danced in her eyes, David couldn't help but enjoy watching. Sipping his beer, "I guess, over time, we will find out." Smiling at her face.

*Italian from Google- in order*
- To the car
- Break
- Grandma.
- Goliath, protect.
- Relax Goliath.