Hello all, hope everyone's summer is going well. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I know that several of you have been worried that I am not going to finish this because of the large gaps between chapters. Please don't worry, I have every intention to finish the story. I had hoped this would have been out earlier but it's been a tough summer for so far. I also had to have my laptop fixed and it was slow going with my tablet. I am hoping to have one more chapter out before the school year starts. I hope you enjoy ! Don't forget to read and review ! !

Chapter 7

"How's she doing, Mikey ?" Jamie asked, walking into the room Mikey put his hand on her head. "Her head feels cold. Joe laughed.

"That's because she had a cool rag on her head." Joe told him.

"Ohhh" Mikey laughed.

"I do think she might need to be changed. Where do you keep the diapers ?" Joe asked.

"You want to change her?" Jamie questioned.

"Sure, I guess I should start learning, the wedding's in a few months and I know Kaylee doesn't want to wait long before starting a family."

"Upstairs in her room, there's diapers in the changing table." Jamie told him.

"Can I go with you?" Mikey asked Joe.

"Sure." Joe told him as Mikey excitedly followed him up the steps.

Kara's phone rang as she and Eddie walked back into the living room. "It's Dylan, I'm going to take it outside."

"How's your leg feeling?" Jamie asked.

"It's fine."

"I don't believe you, you're limping."

"I'm wearing a boot and splint on my leg, what do you expect me to do?" Jamie tilted his head and looked at her not believing a word she said.

"Uh, I never could get anything over on you." Eddie said exasperated. Jamie laughed. "It's a little sore." Jamie went to the kitchen and grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and some ibuprofen.

"Here take these and put this on your leg."

"Look who's being bossy now." Eddie laughed. Jamie just rolled his eyes.

"So, what was that look you gave me back there?" Jamie asked, pointing towards the kitchen.

"What look ?" she asked back, not looking at him.

"The look when I said Mikey would be a great big brother one day. Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about, I know your tells." Jamie huffed.

"Geez, even after all these years I can't hide anything from you." Eddie conceded. She took a breath before telling Jamie what was on her mind. "I've thought about this a lot, but Mikey won't be a big brother. I was miserable and severely stressed during both my pregnancies. I lost one and almost lost another. I'm lucky to even have Mikey with everything that happened. I just can't go through all that again."

"I can't even imagine what you have gone through but it's only been a month since the accident. Don't rush to a decision just yet. You never know what the future will bring for you. There are a lot of good guys out there."

"That may be true, but I don't know if I could trust anyone anymore." Eddie admitted. "Kara thinks I have a form of PTSD."

"You may . . ." Before Jamie could finish Mikey came bounding down the stairs.

"Sarah was really stinky." Mikey announced to laughs from the adults.

"I had to change her clothes." Joe told him, handing Jamie the dirty clothes. "I didn't know where you put your dirty clothes."

"I'll take them downstairs and soak them. Thanks for changing her."

"Anytime. Well, I need to head home, Kaylee got off work an hour ago and is waiting at my place." He handed the baby back to Jamie.

"Have a good night, Joe, and thanks again for bringing the food."

"I hope Sarah feels better."

"Thanks."

"Bye, Joe !" Mikey exclaimed. "I liked helping you."

"Anytime, Bud, be good, little man." Joe told him, giving him a high five.

"You got it !" Mikey said, jumping up to meet Joe's hand.

"Mama, I'm hungry, when are we eating dinner?"

"Soon, baby, we'll leave when Aunt Kara comes back in, she's talking to Uncle Dylan."

"Why don't you guys stay for dinner." Jamie suggested. "I have all that food, and I owe you guys for everything today."

"It's all up to Kara, she's the one driving." Eddie laughed. Mikey talked their ears off until Kara came back.

"Is everything OK ?" Eddie questioned.

"Tommy fell, he got a little too excited as when he saw the hippos."

"Is he feeling better now?"

"He just needed to talk to Mommy. He scraped both knees when he decided to run to the exhibit." Kara explained. "Only my weird child would run to see hippos. He's really starting to mature already, he's growing out of his baby stage already."

"But he just turned 3." Jamie laughed.

"I know, I'm so sad. I thought I had a little more time, Jake was closer to 4 when I noticed he was growing out of it."

"In Mikey's case it was closer to three. Some days I don't know where he came from. He's so much more mature than he should be at almost 4 ½." Eddie laughed.

"True, but think of everything he's been through, especially recently." Kara reminded her.

"Yeah."

"Can you stay for dinner ? I have all this food and I owe you guys for everything today. This single Dad thing is harder than it seems." Jamie admitted putting a sleeping Sarah in her Pack N Play.

"Oooh, can we Aunt Kara ? I want to spend more time with Sarah."

"Sure, I have another 2 hours before Dylan comes home, he's taking the boys to dinner."

"Is Dylan off tomorrow, because he's going to be exhausted." Eddie teased

"He has a late tour. I have swing, so the sitter will only be there for a few hours."

"You know I can start watching the boys." Eddie reminded her.

"No, you can not." Kara stated firmly. "You are still healing, you have probably done too much already today.

"OK, enough arguing and let's eat while this is actually still warm." Jamie stated. "I know you won't like this but I agree with Kara, if you have any hopes of getting back into the NYPD, that leg needs to heal or you're going to be in constant pain."

"I know, that is the plan. I really miss being a cop." Eddie admitted. "I didn't realize how much until I got back here."

"So Jamie, have you heard anything about the results of the Lieutenant's test ? Kara asked.

"You took the test to be a Lieutenant ?" Eddie asked, shocked.

"Yep, once my head cleared after Sarah died, I realized that it would help to have a bigger paycheck and less time on the street. They opened it up 6 weeks ago, I actually took it the day before your accident."

"Lieutenant Reagan sounds really good! It just rolls off the tongue." Eddie laughed.

"What does 'Lieutenanent' mean? Mikey asked with his mouth full.

"It's pronounced Lou ten ant." Jamie corrected him. "That's what people will call me if I pass the test. It means I'll be the boss of more people."

"So you would be Mommy's boss when she gets to be a cop again." Mikey questioned.

"Only if she's assigned to the same precinct house as me."

"Maybe I can talk to Mr. Frank about getting Mommy to be a cop again." Mikey stated matter of factly. "Pops told me he was the boss of all the cops."

"Oh he did, did he ?" Jamie laughed.

"Yep, while we were doing puzzles."

Eddie, Kara, and Jamie just looked at each other and shook their heads. Mikey apparently had big plans for his Mom.

The next few weeks were busy and a bit nerve wracking for Jamie. Sarah was back to herself in two days. She also had an appointment for her eyes. The doctor was very pleased with her progress, ROP was not as much of a concern as it was, just weeks before. Sarah was starting to roll over and keeping her Dad on his toes. The results of the Lieutenant's exam were scheduled to come out on the last Friday in June. Jamie was very anxious knowing that his career trajectory could change again. As much as he loved being on the streets, his safety as a single Dad was more important to him now. This bump up would not only help him financially but would allow him to set steadier hours. He hoped and prayed that he would be near the top so he could get a position quickly.

Knowing his grandson's penchant for perfection, Henry expected Jamie to score as high on the Lieutenant's exam as he did for the Sergeant's exam. He decided to plan for a small family party the Sunday after. He also decided to include Kara and her family as well as Eddie and Mikey too.

Jamie barely slept that Thursday night, he was so anxious about the outcome of the test. His daughter was his world and this move up the ladder was all for her. He needed to be there for her, she never had a chance to know her mother, and he wanted to make sure she knew her father. As tired as he was he got up the next morning after only getting about four hours of sleep all night. Jamie dropped Sarah off with Pop and headed to the precinct. When he got there he discovered one of his training officers was out sick so he would need to take a rookie out today.

"This is just what I need today to keep my mind off the test results." He thought.

The morning was extremely busy with a couple traffic stops, a robbery call with arrests, and an accident with two drivers who were accusing each other of causing the accident. As they got into their RMP to take their meal break, they got a call over the radio.

"Sgt Reagan, 10-2 to the house."

"What did you do, Sarge?" teased Officer Lin.

"Ha ha, nothing that I know of." Jamie laughed. Once back at the house the desk sergeant directed him to the captain's office.

Jamie knocked on the doorframe of Captain Espinoza's office. "What's up, Captain, is everything OK?" Jamie questioned with concern.

"I don't know, maybe you can tell me. I got a call from 1PP and the Commissioner wants to see you in his office forthwith." Espinoza said sternly.

"I wish I knew, Sir." Jamie told him as he left the 2-9.

Upon arriving at 1PP he was escorted directly up to the 14th floor.

"Good afternoon, Sgt. Reagan." Detective Baker greeted him. "He's waiting for you."

Jamie entered his father's office, not knowing what was up, he rarely requests him to come up to 1PP. He walked in to his father at his desk and Captain Espinoza standing to the side of the desk.

"Oh crap." he thought as he stood at the door and saluted.

"Welcome Sgt. Reagan." Commissioner Reagan greeted his son.

"Commissioner, Captain. Didn't I just see you at the house?" Jamie nervously joked.

"Lights and sirens." Espinoza stated with a wry smile.

Captain Espinoza has been telling me how great of a job you have been doing at the 2-9. He's been giving me a run down of all the support you've been giving your officers in the current climate.

"Thank you, Sir, it's hard these days with all the anti-cop sentiment out there."

"The reason I've called you up here is because the results of the Lieutenant's exam are out and you have taken the number one spot again. Congratulations."

"Congratulations, Sgt. Reagan. " Espinoza smiled.

"Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, Captain." They both nodded at Jamie.

"I know this is a little unorthodox but Captain Espinoza is requesting to keep you at the 2-9 since Lt. Myers is retiring next month." Frank started. "After looking at the COMSTAT numbers from your precinct and seeing how you have already helped improve community relations with your new EDP retraining program, I have decided to approve the request.

Jamie was blown away, he didn't expect to stay at the 2-9 if he was promoted. He really felt at home there and was looking forward to spending a few more years there.

"Thank you, Commissioner, I look forward to continuing the retraining program with my officers." Jamie thanked him.

"You will be informed of the promotion date and time next week. For now, return to your command, Sergeant.

"Yes, Sir."

Friday was a big day for Eddie too, Kara was taking her to the hospital for a check up. She was hoping to get the brace off her leg and be given clearance to drive. She missed her independence and hated relying on others just to get around. After several x-rays and a consultation with both the orthopedic doctor and the internist, she was given clearance to drive. Her internal medicine doctor was happy with how she was healing six weeks out.

"Well, how did it go?" Kara asked excitedly, seeing Eddie walking out of the office with her brace in her hand instead of on her leg.

"Very good ! I can drive again !" Eddie beamed. "Now just to get a new car.

"Any idea what you want?"

"I've secretly always wanted a truck."

"Really?"

"Yep, I need to get back to my bad-ass self from 5 years ago." Eddie told her. "I know I have a long way to go with my confidence but I have to start, and feeling safe in a nice sturdy truck is a good place to start. Eddie gave her friend a big smile. Kara smiled back, this was the first time in a very long time that she saw Eddie truly happy.

"Well then let's go, I don't have to be at work for another four hours, I know the perfect place to go."

A half hour later, they arrived at the local Ford dealership in Brooklyn. Eddie and Kara walked around the lot for about ten minutes before Eddie found exactly what she wanted. Two hours later she had negotiated a price and purchased a brand new 4-door F-150 pick-up truck. Eddie would pick up her new truck the next day after it was cleaned and detailed. As excited as she was to gain back her independence, she could feel the anxiety coming over her at the thought of getting back behind the wheel by herself.

On Sunday, Henry and Erin spent all morning before mass prepping for the party that afternoon.

"So why are we going all out for Jamie's promotion to Lieutenant ? We didn't do anything fancy when he made Sergeant?" Erin questioned.

"With everything that's happened, I want to celebrate the little things, like Jamie's promotion." Henry admitted. "He hasn't had much to smile about in the last few months so I thought this might cheer him up a bit.

"I understand that but I hope inviting Eddie doesn't backfire on you." Erin worried.

"By inviting Eddie, I get to know her and little Mikey better." Henry explained.

"Danny told me all about your theory." Erin started. "He said Jamie explained everything and told you he wasn't the boy's father."

"I might be an old man but my cop instincts are still good. That boy is Jamie's son, trust me on that one !

"Drop it, Pop !" Frank stated firmly walking into the kitchen. "You are not using this party as a fishing expedition."

"I'm not fishing, I already know."

"I'm not discussing this again, Pop. I hope you're ready to go, we leave in five." Frank announced.

Just as Jamie was pulling out of his driveway for Sunday Mass, his phone rings.

"Hey Eddie, what's up ?" Jamie sighs, wondering why she's calling.

"I'm sorry, I know that you're probably getting ready for mass but I need to ask a huge favor." she pleads.

"You have four minutes until I get to church."

"Ok, so I was supposed to pick up my new truck from the dealer yesterday but they messed up and prepped the wrong truck. I don't know how, there's a big difference between blue and silver."

"Eddie, two minutes !" Jamie stressed

"The dealership is opening for me to pick up the truck today."

"What's the favor, Eddie ? I'm pulling into the lot."

"Can you pick up Mikey on your way to your Dad's? I'll meet you there for the party after I get the truck."

"Party ?"

"Uh, you didn't hear anything."

"Please !" She begged.

"Ok fine, I'll text you when I'm leaving." Jamie told her while getting Sarah out of the car. "Bye"

Jamie picked Mikey up and headed to his Dad's house for Sunday dinner. He needed to talk to him about this party, it had Pop's fingerprints all over it.

Jamie walked in to find Erin and Henry preparing for dinner.

"Hey, where's Dad?" Jamie asked.

"In the den." Erin answered.

"Hi, Pop ! !" Mikey greeted excitedly. "Is Sean here?"

"Well hello there, little man." Henry replied. "He's in the back yard with Danny, come with me."

"Where's his mother ?" Erin asked.

"Picking up her new truck today. The dealer messed up or something and she went today to get it."

"How's she doing?"

"I guess doing well if she getting a new truck." Jamie teased. "She'll apparently be here later so you can ask her." Erin's face dropped in shock with Jamie's comment.

"I'm guessing by the look on your face, you're in on the events of today?" Jamie hinted.

"How did you find out ?"

"Eddie slipped and told me this morning."

"This morning ? ?" Erin teased. Jamie rolled his eyes

"I'm going to talk to Dad."

"You're not leaving the baby with me."

"Not now I'm not." Jamie laughed and walked out of the kitchen with Sarah.

"So what is this I hear about a party today ?" Jamie questioned his father walking into the den.

"Oh, how did you hear about that ?"

"Eddie slipped when I talked to her this morning."

"It wasn't my idea." Frank told him.

"I figured that, it has Pop written all over it." Jamie laughed.

"The man does love his parties." Frank smiled.

"Do me a favor, if he suggests one again for something other than a birthday party for Sarah, tell him no, or at least talk to me first."

"Copy that, Lieutenant." Frank smiled. "Now give me my grandbaby." Jamie laughed and handed Sarah over to her Grandpa.

Eddie and Kara spent less than an hour at the dealership finalizing all the paperwork and going over the truck. She followed Kara back home so she could drop her car off before heading to the Reagan house for Jamie's not-so-surprise party. As they pulled up, Eddie's phone beeped. Before she got out she checked her phone.

"Finally! The CSU report came in." Eddie told Kara. When she got to the second page of the report she screamed and started crying.

"What's wrong?" Kara asked concerned. Eddie looked up at her in horror.

"Eddie, what's wrong ?" Eddie shakily handed Kara the phone for her to read it.

"OH. MY. GOD ! ! !" Kara exclaimed. She leaned over and embraced her best friend and didn't let go.

Eddie finally composed herself enough to go into the house. The first person they saw when they walked into the Reagan house was Danny who was getting ready to bring dinner into the dining room.

"Oh my God, Eddie, are you OK," Danny gasped seeing her red face and the tears in her eyes. Eddie could only shake her head 'no' as she started to cry harder.

"Jamie ! ! ! " Danny yelled as he went over to her to and put his arm around her to comfort her. Within seconds Jamie ran into the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" Jamie worried hearing his brother's voice. As soon as Eddie saw Jamie she broke out of Danny's grip and ran to Jamie crying. He paused for a moment, not knowing what was going on, before he wrapped his arms around her trying to console her enough to tell him what was wrong. He looked up at Danny and he just shrugged his shoulders.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong ?" Jamie carefully pressed her. Eddie just cried harder. He tried to separate them to get her to look at him but she just buried her head in his shoulder. Mikey heard all the commotion and walked into the kitchen to see his Mom crying.

"Mommy, Mommy, what's wrong? Mikey cried. This just made her cry harder.

"Hey Sweetie, come with me." Kara said. "Let Mommy and Jamie talk." Kara led him into the sun porch to finish his puzzle with Sean.

Jamie had finally gotten Eddie to sit down at the table but she still wouldn't let go of him.

"Eddie, I need you to talk to me. I can't help you if you don't tell me." Jamie carefully pressed. Eddie finally put her head up and looked at him. Her eyes had a look of utter sadness and devastation. Her hands were shaking but she managed to pull her phone out and show him the email she got.

"I'm sorry, Jamie." she whispered. "I'm so sorry." Jamie recognized the email as a NYPD CSU investigation report. As he started reading his eyes got really wide and a look of shock came over his face. He looked up at Eddie who was crying harder again.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Jamie." Eddie cried and ran out the back door.