And love
Chap 71 Conflict
ON THE ISLAND, 09:00
FEBRUARY 15, SATURDAY
"Good morning, love!" Eddie rolls over and lays her head on Jamie's chest. They had finally gotten to sleep sometime after 2 AM. He did get his shower, with her. They talked a lot; he told her about the case that he helped Tony with. A TXT had come telling him that officer Cruz had survived. Of course they did 'share their love'. They both consider this a baby step for Jamie; a step towards ALWAYS flying to her for comfort and support – no matter the time or situation. It felt really good!
"What is that aroma?" He whispers.
"It smells suspiciously like breakfast," she muses. "Let's go see." They roll out of bed and throw on their robes. They walk hand-in-hand to the kitchen.
SURPRISE, HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!
The girls are dressed, complete with red aprons; the boys are in their double swing (The nursery monitor had been in the girl's room last night); the table is set with a crisp white tablecloth and a single red rose at mother's place.
"Please sit, breakfast will be served momentarily," Malina announces. Jamie pulls out Eddie's chair, assisting her to take her seat; he then takes his own.
Cassie pours some OJ into the flute at each place, then adds some champagne. "You are free to offer a toast," Cass smiles.
They raise their glasses – Jamie starts:
"To my loving wife, and my adorable children, thank you! I love you with all my heart!" He reaches across and touches Eddie's flute with his. He nods to her:
"To my strong, courageous, loving husband – thank you for being there for us . . . always. I love you with all my heart!" They touch glasses again, then take a sip.
Jamie leans across the table and places a long kiss on Eaddie's lips. "1-4-3, ALWAYS AND FOREVR!" He whispers in her ear.
"1-4-3 ALWAYS AND FOREVER!" She returns, with a soft smile.
They settle back down, fold their hands in their lap and wait. Sipping from their flutes occasionally. Soon the food arrives:
Coffee, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon & fresh fruit. They are amazed! They load their plates and begin to eat. "What about you girls?" Jamie asks, between bites.
"We've eaten, sir," Mary Rose smiles.
Eddie covers her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Jamie rolls his eyes.
As soon as they finish, AJ starts to fuss; "I think someone wants his breakfast," mom chuckles.
"You mean his brunch." Cassie swoops in, picks him up and heads for the nursery. "Get ready Eddie, we'll be right back." Everyone laughs out loud.
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10 DAYS LATER, THE 12TH
Lt. Reagan walks in, he has some papers to drop off for Sgt Renzulli. There is a commotion at the front desk, as he walks by.
"I want to talk to my son's partner. The son-of-a-bitch let Jose take a bullet. My son almost-
"QUIET! What's going on?" Renzulli roars as he dashes out of his office.
The desk officer holds his hands up and everyone stills. He explains to Tony, who sees Jamie and motions toward his office. Jamie goes in and sits down.
Tony turns to the visitors, "If you will take a seat, I'll be with you momentarily. I promise." They turn around and sit down.
Tony enters his office and sits. "You heard that?" Looking to Jamie.
"Yeah, you want me to deal with it?"
"Technically, it's my problem as Sargent at the 12th."
"Yes, but I'm the officer he's looking for."
"True, so?"
"Find me a room, then send him in."
"You sure?"
"Yup, let's go."
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Box #2. Mr. Cruz stomps in and sits. "You my son, Jose's partner?"
"Not regularly. I was filling in the day your son was injured. His regular partner had a family emergency."
"So you didn't know my son?"
"No, but that had nothing to do with the injury."
"What the hell? Are you a rookie too?" He's steamed.
"No, I'm a lieutenant."
"Well, what happened?" He huffs.
"Your son made 2 tactical errors. First, he didn't respond fast enough to my command of DOWN!"
"What was he supposed to do?"
"He should have immediately dropped to the floor. Instead, he stayed on his feet and made his second mistake."
"What was that," dad sighed. He is beginning to get the picture.
"He was adjusting his protective vest – in the middle of an operation. That left him dangerously exposed. I'm really sorry this happened . . . I am glad he survived, sir."
"So are we. Thank you for the explanation."
They rise, shake hands and depart.
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FOOD & FOOD
2 WEEKS LATER, SUNDAY DINNER ON THE ISLAND
Henry had come out early from Bay Ridge. He attended Mass with Jamie, Eddie and the girls. He had fixings that needed refrigeration delivered Friday. Eddie noticed that the entrée was lamb chops; she had a bad feeling.
"Jamie, Pops and the Mal are gong to serve lamb chops. I'm worried about Mary Rose's reaction."
"She rarely asks about the meat." Jamie points out.
"So, we take our chances?" Eddie frowns.
"What else can we do? It's too late to change menu." Jamie points out.
"Yeah. Ok, we'll hope for the best. Do we need to have a talk with GG? For the future?" Eddie wonders.
"Let's see what happens, and cross our fingers. Say, has Mal said anything to you?" He asks Eddie.
"Not a word," they kiss and go about their duties.
MEANWHILE
Mary Rose and grandpa Frank are in the barn.
"Sweetie, have you and Joseph used the cart yet?"
"No, I really want to! Can we do that after dinner, please?"
"I would like to do that. Let's ask your daddy when we go in, ok?" He winks at his granddaughter.
DINNER TIME
Cassie volunteers go recite the traditional Reagan family pre-meal blessing. She loves doing that, it makes her feel like a real family member more than anything else. Jamie & Eddie are aware of this, and purposely steer this responsibility her way whenever they can.
Attending dinner today in addition to Jamie's crew are; Frank and Henry; Erin & Nicky; Danny & family.
Joe and Paula had been invited, they politely declined. Paula had yet to work up the courage to break the ice at full family dinners.
After plates were full, eating commenced around the table.
"This meat tastes different. What is it GG?" Mary Rose spouts, as she tries to cut another piece.
Jamie & Eddie freeze.
GG responds, "It's a lamb chop, sweetheart."
"Lamb?" She whispers. "Really, a lamb?"
"Yes, do you like it?" He looks at her, rather puzzled.
She puts down her fork and knife, and pushes her plate away. She sits back, looking like she is getting sick.
"Hey kid, never eaten a lambie before?" Danny chuckles.
Linda smacks him on the chest, "DANIEL!" His sons cringe.
Mary Rose holds her hands over her mouth, flips her chair back and rushes upstairs. She was making gagging noises as she left.
"Thanks brother!" Jamie snorts.
Eddie drops her utensils, sighs and drops a tear. 'Why does he do that, time after time.'
'Pops gets up and makes a move towards the stairs.
"Stop GG," Mal stops him. "We sisters will talk with her." She motions to Cassie, they go upstairs. They find Mary Rose laying on her lower bunk; cuddling her new little, white stuffed lamb. They had forgotten that mom and dad had given it to her for a valentine.
BACK DOWNSTAIRS
"So, are you guys going veggie or what," Danny teases.
"Shut it!" Eddie stands and demands. "This is something our family will need to talk about. If we decide to go vegetarian, we will do so. I, for one, will support Mary Rose every way I can." She sits down.
"You gonna stand for that, kid?" Danny persists.
"NO . . . I'm going to sit here and support my wife 110%." He smirks, then pulls his wife in for a kiss.
"Jamie, there is something we forgot," Eddie says. "The valentine we gave Mary Rose."
"Oh yeah," Jamie hangs his head.
The table looks at the couple.
"A little, white lamb," Eddie explains.
"Oh!" Several family members commiserate.
"Shit!" Danny snorts. "So, if she gets a fish, no fish; a cow, no beef; a pig, no pork? Who's running the show out here anyway, huh?"
"That's it!" Jamie stands up. "Dinner is over. Everyone pack up your things; take all the leftovers, my family will cleanup. GO HOME NOW! I'm sorry to do this based on the obnoxious behavior of one person – but I'm not going to put my family through any more of this. GOOD-BY!"
"But the rest of us, Jamie. Please," Erin begs.
"Jamie . . . that's drastic, babe," Eddie attempts to calm him down. He seems to relent, a little.
"Jamie, I'll take my family and go." Liinda speaks softly.
"Lin, I'm sorry . . . I just-
"I know," she expresses. "I too-
"Whose side are you on?" Danny roars.
"Yours, but you may never see it. Come boys, we're leaving in 3." Linda stands up; she goes around the table giving each family member a hug. She then picks up her purse and heads to the front door; followed by Jack, Sean and a disgruntled Danny.
The rest of the family is stunned.
"Dad, have you seen this building?" Erin wonders.
"Yes; Linda has spoken with me."
"His job issues?" Pops surmises.
Frank nods, grimacing.
"I'm' sorry if I made things worse," Jamie shakes his head. The family mutters, "that's not your fault."
Dinner finishes in rather somber fashion. Pops apologizes for not checking first, before bringing lamb chops. Eddie admits they probably wouldn't have caught it anyway.
Jamie apologizes again; leftovers were packed up; good-bye expressed; cars were homeward bound.
Mal and Cassie had settled their sister down; a family discussion was forthcoming.
Exhausted, the family fell into their beds – after the boys had their last change & meal of the day. Hopefully.
02:00 FRONT DOOR CHIME
Jamie pads to the door, it's Linda, suitcase in hand.
"Jamie, do you have a patch of floor that I can sleep on?"
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TBC
A/N: Danny is still not up to par for 1st degree detective duties in the field. Will he ever be? Maria Baez is now paired with Jacqui Curatola; I don't plan on bringing them into the story.
Ideas regarding a next carrier for Danny?
Would he ever cooperate with counseling?