Here's chapter seventeen from here on out while this chapter does mention Nicky's case this chapter will be the first that focuses on the family and relationship dynamics.
This chapter picks up just at the loft just after the days' court proceedings.
Chapter17 The Path We Walk Part2
"Nicky wait!" Erin called out as she chased down Nicky who was across the street from the courthouse ready to head to Marina's light up a hookah and relax.
Nicky noticed her mom and waited for her.
"What's up mom?"
"Listen I know you're tiered but would you mind if headed somewhere to talk there's something I want to tell you."
"Sure mom you can follow me to Marina's."
"You don't mind Marina I don't want to impose."
"Of course not Ms. Reagan you're welcome over at my place."
"Alright I'll follow you I hope you don't mind if I bring someone with me."
"Sure Mom as long as I get home I don't care we just want to relax today's been stressful."
Nicky Marina Ashley and Raquel loaded into Marina's SUV while Erin went back to her car which Abbie had been waiting in.
Everyone made the half hour drive to the loft and parked in the garage and headed upstairs.
Nicky saw Abigail with her mom but didn't press the issue she really was completely spent.
Marina opened the door and let everyone in.
"Rocky Ashley set up the hookah I'm jumping in the shower."
"On it Rena what are we smoking?" Ashley asked.
"Lite up blueberry mint I feeling sweet."
"Got it Rena."
Marina headed for the shower while Ashley and Rocky set up for their evening.
"Ay Nicky why don't you go wash up we'll take care of your mom and her friend."
Thanks Ash."
"No problem."
Erin and Abbie watched in amazement as the four girls seemingly ran the place like an actual house.
Once the bong was set up Ashley and Rocky brought it out to the living-room and sat down.
Erin had met Ashley and Rocky during Christmas break so conversation flowed between them.
"So girls I didn't get a chance to introduce you this is Abigail Baker she works with Nicky's grandfather."
Both girls shook hands with Abbie who felt a bit intimidated being in a nice loft amongst college kids and her girlfriend.
"If you guys want we can turn the TV on."
"No thanks Ashley by the way if you guys want you can lite the bong you're adults."
"We're good Erin we don't want to start until Marina and Nicky get here". Ashley remarked.
"So Erin not to be forward but how long have you been with Abigail."
"Rocky don't be rude." Ashley said admonishing her girlfriend.
"Sorry about that my girlfriend has no filter sometimes."
"It's alright it was going to come up tonight anyway to answer your question its fairly new but I think it's time Nicky knew".
"Well take it from us you don't have to worry Nicky will be shocked but happy for you Erin." Ashley assured.
The group made small talk and laughed about baby stories of Nicky when both Nicky and came down from their showers in sweats and matching Red Dragon shirts.
"What's so funny?" Nicky asked sitting across from Rocky and Ashley.
"Nothing your mom just told us about how much of an exhibitionist you were as a kid." Ashley answered.
"Mom I was not." Nicky whined.
"Relax Nicky it's all in fun."
'Whatever lets lite up I think we all earned this."
"Nicky babe why don't you get your mom a drink first."
"Fine Rina Mom anything you want?"
"Some tea if you don't mind Nicky."
"Fine."
"Abbie you want anything?"
"I'll take a tea."
"Nicky two teas."
"On it."
Nicky came back a short time later with the two teas and served both Abbie and her mom.
"So mom what did you want to talk about?"
"Well Nicky remember the weekend you told me you were thinking of moving in with Marina and I told you I was going out with a friend?"
"Yeah what about that?"
"Well the friend I was going to dinner with was more than a friend and it wasn't just dinner it was a date."
"Okay you went on a date no big deal."
"Nicky it was a big deal because I really care for this person and I think the two of you should meet."
"Okay I'm game for meeting the guy who seems to have my mom so happy girls lets blaze."
Nicky took a long pull from the bong and blew out O shaped smoke.
"Nicky you're misunderstanding me."
The foursome took four strong pulls in Nicky gestured for her mom to explain more.
"Nicky I'm not dating a man I'm dating a woman."
Nicky nearly choked on her pull but blew it out beforehand.
Mom what are you talking about?"
Nicky I'm dating a woman"
"Nicky was shocked but had enough of herself together to speak."
"Mom when did this happen who is it is it serious?" Nicky asked all at once.
"Nicky relax its getting serious yes as for who it is I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Abigail Baker."
"Oh my god mom you're joking."
"No Nicky I'm not I'm dating Abigail Baker." Erin answered taking Abbie's hand in hers.
"Wow so does anyone else know?"
"Yes your uncle Jamie but no one else and I want to keep it that way for now."
"Your secret is safe with me mom and I'm happy for you."
"Thanks Nicky that means a lot."
After spending a few more hours with Nicky Marina and her friends Abbie and Erin headed back to Abbie's so that they could all get some rest and head to the courthouse the next day.
The next morning Nicky Marina Raquel and Ashley joined Erin Henry and Linda at the courthouse Jamie had a day tour and Frank had a few meeting to tend to but the family had agreed to meet that evening for a special dinner with the understanding that things were to be kept civil.
"Nicky are you ready for this?" Marina asked as she walked inside the courthouse hand in hand with Nicky.
"Ready as I'll ever be I'm just hoping after today we can all put this mess behind us."
"Amen to that Nicky."
Luckily the media attention had died down since Potter took his plea deal aside from the front pages of the News and the Post which showcased pictures of Potter being loaded into the prison bus there was not an excessive amount of media contingent.
The group waited outside the courtroom having been briefed by the ADA that she would let them know when a verdict was rendered.
Nicky and the rest of the group spent the next two hours waiting nervously for a verdict.
"They've been in there a long while the case was open and shut what could they be talking about?"
"Nicky relax things like this happen in criminal cases." Erin stated while she covertly sent Abbie a flirty text.
"I know Mom but with a case like this all the evidence laid out anyone would have been back in an hour tops."
"I know Nicky just don't think about it go outside for a bit with your girlfriend for some air I'll call you if anything happens."
"No Mom the next time I leave here is when those ass clowns are pronounced guilty." Nicky stated strongly.
"Fine have it your way."
Another hour went by with no results both Nicky and Raquel were tempted to headed to the hookah shop a few blocks down from the courthouse when the ADA came from down the hall.
"Everyone the jury's back."
The group headed inside and took their places in the gallery as the judge walked in.
"Be seated."
Madam fore person it is my understanding that the jury has reached a verdict."
"Yes we have your honor."
"Very well please hand the bailiff your verdict sheet."
"The forewoman handed the folded sheet to the bailiff who passed it on to the judge.
The judge read the verdict sheet and handed the sheet back to the bailiff who stored it with the court clerk.
"Will the defendants please rise."
Bernie Dave and Eric rose from their seats looking stone-faced at the judge.
"Madam foreperson on count one of the indictment assault in the first degree as it pertains to Nicky Reagan how you find?"
"We the jury find the defendants guilty."
"On count two of the indictment gang assault in the first degree as it pertains to Ms. Reagan how do you find?"
"We find the defendants guilty."
"On count three of the indictment assault as a hate crime as it pertains to Ms. Reagan how do you find?"
"We find the defendants guilty."
Nicky exhaled in relief but didn't want to celebrate until she knew if her friend would also get justice.
"Very well as it pertains to Raquel Delgado on the sole count of the indictment Assault as a hate crime how do you find the defendants?"
"We find the defendants guilty."
Nicky proceeded to hug Raquel and Marina with the foursome huddled Marina whispered "It's over".
The judge quickly restored order before speaking again.
"The defense has elected to forego a sentencing hearing and thusly will be sentenced immediately."
Eric Bernie and Dave upon being found guilty of all charges this court sentences you all to a period of incarceration of thirty-six years in prison seven years for each assault change and fifteen years for the hate crime."
It was at this point that everyone knew the case was over.
The trio of defendants were handcuffed shackled and led out of the courtroom after which the judge thanked the jury for their service and adjourned the case.
"Nicky you did it babe it's over."
"No babe we did it I couldn't have held it together without you."
"I love you babe you're a true warrior."
"Thanks but I also owe Rocky an apology I'm sorry you had to go through this Rocky."
"Don't apologize Nicky we're family they touch one we come down."
The foursome headed outside hoping Linda Henry and Erin wouldn't be too far behind.
The crew loaded into Marina's SUV and pulled out of the parking lot.
"Nicky I noticed your mom glued to her phone while we waited for the verdict don't freak or anything but the text she sent out was a scorcher she's got it bad for dads assistant."
Marina I didn't need that image in my head."
"Sorry babe it was hell I wouldn't be surprised if your mom is getting regular rides to O town because of Abigail."
"Marina I mean it shut up or else I'll rethink my surprise for you." Nicky snapped.
It was at that point Marina ceased her teasing and headed to the front of the courthouse.
The group met up with Erin Linda and Henry who said their goodbyes to Nicky knowing they would see her at dinner.
A few hours later Erin returned to her office diving into the small mountains of case files she had still thinking about her master plan she had spent all night and most of the morning thinking about her plan that was meant not only to give her closure from her feud with Danny but allow her to get the fresh start she wanted with Abbie.
Erin knew her plan was crazy but like the old saying goes love makes us do crazy things and Erin knew what she had planned was insane but what she needed to do.
Erin spent up until three doing paper work electing to work through lunch when she got a call from the jeweler.
"Hello Erin Reagan please." A female voice asked.
"Speaking."
"Ms. Reagan I'm calling from fifth avenue jewelers to tell you that your order is ready for pick up."
"Perfect I'll be there in half hour."
"Very good Ms. Reagan."
Erin ended the call dialed the ADA and told a white lie to leave early.
Erin sped off to jewelers in no time flat and picked up her rings.
As she headed over to 1PP she sent a text to Abbie telling her to tell Frank she had to leave on a personal matter which he luckily brought.
Twenty minutes later Abbie found herself in Erin's car.
"Erin not that I mind seeing you but are we doing?"
"Abbie for the past five years I've played it safe when it came to my heart but in the short time I've been with you I've learned that sometimes you have to say the hell with playing it safe."
A short while later Abbie found herself in her apartment with Erin as Erin tossed Abbie a long elegant dark blue dress and white shoes.
"Abbie shower change and meet me in the car in twenty minutes don't ask questions".
Abbie didn't have time to protest as Erin left the room.
As expected Abbie met Erin back at the car in her outfit as the two drove away.
"Erin where are we going?"
"You'll see just enjoy the ride baby."
The couple spent the ride through Manhattan talking about everything and nothing until Erin stopped at Rockefeller plaza and led Abbie into Skylines a new rooftop restaurant that had just opened.
"Erin what are we doing here?"
"We're having dinner now if you don't mind I'd like to enjoy a dinner with the NYPD's sexiest detective."
Erin and Abbie were taken to the rooftop where they already had champagne on ice and two plates of fresh king crab waiting for them.
"Erin what is this?"
"Just a five-star dinner for two overlooking the New York skyline."
"Erin you shouldn't have."
"Hush I wanted to besides you deserve it the love you've shown me is worth this and more."
The couple sat down to dinner as Abbie admired Erin's eyes never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd be sitting with Erin Reagan at rooftop dinner.
"Erin didn't you have dinner plans with your family?"
"I did but I broke those plans with a little white lie they won't miss me too especially that asshole brother of mine who I should have had arrested for that office stunt."
"Erin leave it I'm fine don't make something out of nothing."
"No Abbie that ass clown insulted you and I won't stand for it."
"Thanks Erin let's just forget it and enjoy dinner".
Meanwhile over at Eddie and Jamie's Jamie had just returned from dinner when he found Eddie on the couch with a stunned look on her face and a letter in hand.
"Hey babe what's in your hand?"
Eddie looked up at Jamie trying to hide the fear in her eyes.
"Jamie you'd better sit down."
Jamie sat next to Eddie wondering what could have his girlfriend worried.
"Jamie there's something I need to tell you about me hopefully after I do you'll still love me."
"Eddie nothing on earth could stop me from loving you."
"Well I was just coming in from the corner store when I was approached by a lawyer who gave me a letter that could change my life forever and this could affect you too."
"Eddie what's in this letter?"
"Well before I started the police academy I used to baby sit a girl who was raised by a family who came here from the same village my mother is from in Serbia, her parents were very abusive because she has selective mutism steaming from the violence she saw as a child she only responded to me through sign language when I watched her".
"When I started the academy I couldn't check on her as much which tears me up.
"An aunt of hers who lived in my building happen to be around the precinct and flagged me down coming home and told me she was moving and couldn't take the girl so she called DCFS explained the situation and they basically told me in this letter that she wants to live with me."
Jamie was floored at the sudden revelation.
"So what are you going to do Eddie?"
"Well I made some calls and found out since it's a special case I have two options let her get placed in a group home or adopt her and before you ask I already know I want to adopt her she's like a daughter to me she deserves a family not some dead beat parents who couldn't care less about her".
"Eddie this is a big decision are you sure you want this?"
"Jamie this girl means the world to me if taking her means losing you as much as it would hurt I'd do it no questions asked."
Jamie was taken back by Eddie's declaration but knew her heart was in the right place.
"Eddie if this girl means that much to you take her I'll support you all the way."
"Jamie you mean it?"
"I do Eddie I'm in love with you and even though this will be a bit challenging there's no one else I'd rather start a family with than you."
Eddie and Jamie knew from this moment on their lives were about to get crazier.
Back at the restaurant Erin and Abbie had just finished dancing under the moonlight when Erin looked out at the skyline feeling at peace with Abbie it was at this moment that Erin knew it was time to go big or go home.
"Abbie this has been an amazing night and as much as my head is saying that what I'm about to do is crazy my heart knows it's right."
"Abbie couldn't understand what Erin was getting at but decided against speaking.
Erin went over to her blazer and pulled out a red velvet box after which she took a knee before Abbie.
"Abigail Baker I know we've only been together a short time but you've surprisingly stolen my heart and started a dangerous so if you would allow me the honor of giving you my last name."
Abbie couldn't believe it she was standing on the rooftop a New York city restaurant being proposed to by the woman of her dreams.
Abbie took a second to process what she heard before answering.
"Erin Reagan yes I'll marry you."
Erin slipped the ring on Abbie's finger and two shared a tender kiss.
"That kiss was magical Erin thank you."
"Don't thank me yet Abbie thank me after we come back from Albany and you're Mrs. Abigail Reagan."
"Erin we can't get married tonight."
"Yes we can Abbie an old law school friend of mine is a justice of the peace she's expecting us all the paperwork is ready she just needs us up there what do you say?"
"Erin Reagan you're insane but I love you so let's go."
With that Erin paid the bill and the couple was off to get married.
It was clear from here on out that if your last name was Reagan your life was about to get a hell of a lot more interesting.
That does it for this chapter next chapter will include the aftermath of Erin and Abbie's impulsive weeding plus Jamie and Eddie beginning the road to parenthood as well as Nicky revealing her NYPD intentions to Marina.