Chapter 17
Later that afternoon
Jinx held the silver and white gift box in one hand, knocking on the door of the two-story home with the other. The door opened, and she smiled up into Jagger’s welcoming face.
“Thanks for coming,” Jagger smiled.
Jinx handed him the box and stepped inside. Jagger led her through the hallway. It led to an open layout; the kitchen and dining area were to the right, the living room to the left. A beautiful woman was sitting in a rocking chair holding a baby. A dog was kept guard at her feet. She looked up and smiled at Jinx.
“Hi, I’m Daniela, you must be Jinx. Jagger and Vic told me all about you.”
“Good things I hope.” She gave Jagger a smile and a narrowed look.
Jagger kissed Daniela on the forehead, “I’m going to check on the chicken in the oven.”
Daniela laughed, “The stories they’ve told me about you have to be made up.”
Jinx sat down on the sofa. “If they involve cars spontaneously exploding or neon signs crashing down at a local diner, then the stories are probably true.”
Laughing harder, Daniela shook her head. “So how is the training going?”
“Good. I got to help on one of Drake’s cases. I think I did pretty well.” She leaned over to peer at the bundle in Daniela’s arms. “You have a beautiful baby.”
“Leila is the most amazing baby. I feel blessed to have her and Jagger.” Sounds from the kitchen distracted them.
“Damn oven!” Jagger growled out.
“I need to help before Jagger burns the place down. Would you watch Leila while I help Jagger with dinner?”
“Absolutely.”
Daniela stood up and walked over to place the sleeping baby into Jinx’s arms. She always loved kids. It was why she volunteered at a children’s hospital back home. Often Jinx went to the nursery and spent time with those babies who didn’t have anyone to hold them. It broke her heart. She knew she couldn’t do that kind of work on a full time basis or she would be in a perpetual state of emotion. Jinx couldn’t stand to see anyone in pain.
Glancing down at the tiny infant in her arms, Jinx smiled and cooed at her. “You’re just the happiest and prettiest little thing. You have parents that love each other and love you. You will always be cared for.” The baby tried to open her eyes and give Jinx a smile. It was probably just gas, but Jinx didn’t care. The sight melted her heart.
There was a knock at the door, and Jagger went to answer it. Daniela was loading plates with food, and Jinx was sitting there making funny faces at the baby, totally entranced with little Leila. “You are so pretty. Your daddy is going to have to fight the boys away.”
“Don’t worry, your daddy’s got a gun and knows how to use it,” a deep and familiar voice spoke directly behind her. She felt a shiver go up her spine.
She didn’t bother to turn and look at him. “Hi Drake.”
“Jinx. How are you feeling?”
“Good. Even better since I’m holding this little one.”
Drake leaned down over her shoulder and touched the baby’s cheek gently with his long finger. “Thank God she inherited her mother’s good looks.”
Jagger growled. “I heard that.”
Daniela giggled. “I think she is beautiful, just like her father.”
Jagger whispered something in his wife’s ear, making Daniela giggle. Jinx couldn’t turn to look; if she moved her face her lips would brush against Drake’s cheek. That was how close he was to her.
Drake sniffed. “I think someone needs a diaper change.”
Daniela called out. “Jinx, could you do that for me?”
“Yes.” She would agree to just about anything to get away from Drake and his intoxicating scent.
