He gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “If she’s not able to, I’ll help. And so can the guys. Have you told Ruby and Bella? I’m sure they’d help as well. I don’t want your mom to hurt her shoulder, and twelve-hour shifts are a long time. Once you get off work, you’ll need sleep.” I scoot backward as he continues without taking a breath. “We can set up a tag team of people to help.”
It’s one thing to ask my mom to assist, because it was her idea. But everyone else? I’m not the kind of person to throw my problems onto other people.
Before my feet hit the floor, he’s pushing buttons on his phone. What the hell? I cross my arms over my chest. “I can take care of her myself.”
“But you don’t have to.”
“You’re saying I’m not capable of–”
“I said no such thing.” He stalks toward me as he drops his phone to his side.
“Hello?”
A voice comes from his phone, but he ignores it. “You are completely capable of taking care of this baby on your own. However, I want to help.” He places a hand on my face. “Seeing that baby in a box in front of the police station is seared into my brain. I want to know she’s safe and cared for. But it’s more than that. I need to know she’s safe and cared for. That’s why I’m trying to find out who her biological parents are to make sure she has the quickest resolution possible. I don’t want her bounced around the system.”
“Hello?” Kaleb’s voice is muffled at Jake’s side as he continues to holler. “Jake, man, pick up! You called me.”
Every word that Jake has said makes my heart burst that much more. How in the hell did I think he joined the police force because he had control issues? Okay, that was anger speaking. I knew he wasn’t the kind of guy who was power hungry. I wouldn’t be in love with a guy like that.
Because there’s no use pretending, I ever got over him. “I want the same thing.”
“Good.” He kisses my forehead. “And while you’re completely capable. You have a huge support system that this baby will thrive with, so let’s give her that amazing head start.”
My bottom lip quivers. I’m going to fall so hard for both of them. Hopefully in thirty days when Baby Doe goes to her permanent home, Jake is here to pick up the jagged pieces of my broken heart.
He smiles, kisses me soundly, and answers the phone. “Hey, Kaleb.”
“What?” My brother’s voice is sharper this time.
“Let me put you on speaker.” He pokes the screen and tells Kaleb about the baby, our mom, and the need for reinforcement if something comes up.
“You’ve got it. But why are you with my sister?”
“Because as soon as I get off the phone and install the baby seat in Em’s car so she can pick up the baby in the morning, I’m going to take her into the kitchen and–”
“I don’t need the details.”
Jake grins as he winks. “Fine, I’ll share the details with your sister.”
“I’m gone. Let me know what you need. I’ll message the group chat because it appears you’re busy.”
The second he gets off the phone, he flexes his muscles. “Let’s get the car seat installed. You have a professional car seat inspector at your service.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m also a professional car seat inspector.”
“Ple-e-ease.” He waves his hand dismissively. “I’m the police. My inspector status holds more merit than yours does.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” He stalks toward me, lifts me up with my thighs until I’m wrapped around him. “I’m the expert. Prepare to bow to my expertise.”
I’d giggle or complain, but he has me in his arms, and I’m not stupid.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Jake
The Next Afternoon
