Chapter One
Lorelie
The auditorium erupts into applause as the Chief of Police announces,“Sergeant Patrick Boise.”
I clap until my palms sting.
Patrick rises from his row, crisp blues perfectly pressed, jaw tight in that way it gets when he’s trying not to smile. The silver pin gleams in the Chief’s hand, and when Patrick turns toward me, his eyes find mine, pride shining through.
Milo bounces on my knee. “Daddy!” he shouts, and half the room chuckles.
When they call me forward to pin the badge, my fingers tremble slightly against the heavy fabric of his uniform.
“Proud of you,” I whisper.
He leans down, just enough that only I can hear: “Couldn’t have done it without you, Lore.”
He lands a kiss on my lips, appropriate for public view, though his eyes promise what’s later to come.
A ripple of laughter passes through the audience. I can feel my cheeks warm, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. I bite it back, smoothing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, and give a small nod to the front row before retreating to my seat.
Milo claps like the ceremony is his doing, little palms smacking together in pure joy. “Daddy’s asergeant!” he announces to anyone within earshot. The woman beside us chuckles, and even Chief Kent at the podium hides a grin behind his notes.
“Inside voice, bug,” I whisper, tugging him gently onto my lap. He smiles, unfazed, and keeps right on bouncing.
Patrick joins the line of newly promoted officers along the stage. His expression is composed now, all professionalism, but the corner of his mouth curves just slightly when he finds me and Milo in the crowd again.
Colter stands a few rows behind us, back straight as a board, pride practically radiating off him. Eloise sits beside me, eyes bright with that unmistakable mother’s joy. Patrick’s older brother, Harvey, couldn’t be here today, something about an undercover operation. He promised to meet us at the restaurant later. Zoey, Patrick’s younger sister, goes back to her phone once her brother’s part is done, scrolling with one hand while clapping with the other.
The Chief finishes his remarks, something about legacy and leadership and the crowd rises to their feet in one final round of applause.
When I met Patrick all those years ago, he was just a patrol officer and I was just a resident. Now look at us. I squeeze Milo tighter in my arms. Married. Babies. Careers that somehow thrived despite the sleepless nights.
Patrick and I lock eyes again, a quiet secret smile passing between us. After dinner tonight, we’ll finally announce that not only has he been promoted to Sergeant, but Milo will soon be promoted to big brother soon.
This one was planned.
I resist the urge to touch my stomach. I’m in my second trimester now, but I’m not showing yet. With Milo, I started early, he made sure the world knew he was coming.
This time, I’m hoping the difference means a girl. I love my son, but I need some estrogen in the house, someone else to yell, when the toilet seat’s up.
The crowd begins to disperse, moving toward the front of the stage where tables of food and refreshments wait. I don’t bother joining the line. Instead, Milo and I stand off to the side, watching as Patrick makes his way through the crowd, shaking hands, accepting back slaps, nodding to people he probably doesn’t even remember.
“Daddy!” Milo shouts, breaking free from my hold and running full-tilt into Patrick’s legs.
Patrick scoops him up easily, laughter bursting out of him. “You’re a Sergeant now!” Milo declares, eyes wide with pride.
“Yeah, buddy,” Patrick chuckles, hoisting him higher. “I am.”
Milo’s fingers immediately find the new silver pin on his father’s uniform, tracing its edges like treasure.
“Hi, baby,” I say softly, stepping closer.
“Hi,” he answers, lowering his head just enough to press his lips against mine, a real kiss this time, not the chaste one from the stage.
We’re interrupted by a familiar groan. “Please stop,” Zoey mutters behind us.
I pull back, laughter slipping out as I run my hand down Patrick’s cheek before stepping aside to give his family room.
