“Cade Warren Donovan, you watch what you say about those babies' mother. I know you are finally over your shit, but youloved her and she loved you and those babies. What happened was tragic, but you know she never meant any harm to them.”
Cade chugs down his beer and sighs. “I know, Pa. I did and still do love her. Always will. But I can’t forgive her for what she did.”
“I know, son. I know.”
Cade sets down his drink and pushes away from the table before walking down the steps off the deck.
I clear my throat and nod towards my brother. “Don’t mind him, Dad. We had a call the other day that brought back a lot of bad memories. He tries his best, but he’s still angry about everything. It’s gotta be hard, you know?” I look out at Cade as he scoops up his happy smiling children and spins them around in the air. He’s a great dad, and they are lucky to have him. Those kids are his entire world.
Five years ago, right after Maysie was born, his wife, Clara, had a bad case of postpartum depression. Cade came home from work one day after a twelve-hour shift and little Maysie, who was five months old at the time, was still in her crib. Soiled through and wailing. My nephew, who was two at the time, was found wandering around outside in nothing but his pajamas. It was the middle of winter, so we’re lucky he didn’t get frostbite, or worse. Cade found his wife upstairs unresponsive. She took her own life, and he’s never been the same since. For the longest time, he blamed himself.
“I just want him to be happy. I want all my kids to be happy,” my dad says, bringing his beer to his lips.
“Hey, I’m happy,” Hayes chimes in.
“Yes, Hayes, because sleeping with another man’s wife is exactly the kind of happiness I want from my children.” Pa glares, and Hayes shrinks in his chair. “Don’t hide from me, boy. You think I wouldn’t find out why my son has two black eyes? Farm hands talk, son. You’re darn lucky your mama doesn’tknow the truth. She would beat you with that rolling pin of hers if she did. Now, what in the lord were you thinking? I thought we raised you better than that.”
“I didn’t know she was married! It’s not like she was wearing a ring.” Hayes shouts.
“What the fuck, man?” Colter throws his beer tab at Hayes, and the glass door behind us slides open.
“What’s all the yelling out here for?” Wren places her hands on her hips and raises her eyes at us. She may be the baby of the family, but she can be awfully scary.
“Don’t you worry about it, hunny. Just your brothers being dumb asses,” my dad tells her.
“Mhm,” she hums, “What else is new?”
Cade and the kids clamper up onto the deck. “Well, I should probably get these two rug rats home for a bath and bed. I’m going to head in and say goodbye to Ma. Kids, say your goodbyes,” Cade instructs them.
“But, Daddy, I’m not ready to go!” whines Maysie.
“Too bad, princess. It’s bath and bed. Now, let’s all say goodbye.”
“Bye, everyone!” my nephew shouts as he takes off into the house.
“Goodbye, I guess.” Maysie mopes, following behind Hudson.
“Hey, Maysie Daisy, I’m going to go shopping tomorrow to get a few things to decorate my cabin. Do you wanna come with me? I could sure use your eye to help me find all the best stuff. We could have a fun girls’ day of shopping and ice cream?” Wren walks over, pulling Maysie in for a hug, and her entire face lights up.
“Can I, Daddy?” She looks at Cade with puppy dog eyes and her lips jutted out. I chuckle, because she’s going to be trouble when she’s older, that’s for sure.
“Sure, sweetie. I don’t see why not. I’m sure your brother will love having some alone time with grandma.”
“Yay!” she squeals, pushing out of Wren’s arms and reaching for her dad’s hand. “Come on, Daddy! We have to get home so I can pick my outfit for tomorrow!”
“I should probably get going, too, I’m beat and could use the sleep,” I announce, getting up from my chair.
“See you later, son.” My dad nods as I head off.
On the way home, I pass Cade’s house, and when I spot the lavender over by his barn, my mind drifts off to Jade. I’m still on a high from her flirting earlier today, and I hope it happens again. I have a feeling this is going to be a good week.
Ifucking jinxed it.
Garrett and Ian are standing over my desk relaying the call that was just called in about a body.
We haven’t had a case like this since I first started. Other than missing hikers, we don’t get a lot of action in regard to bodies being found.
“A young female in her twenties. The caller was on a hike to the falls when his dog went ballistic and took off. According to the man on the phone, he could smell her before he even found her.”
