An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

The Kids Are in Trouble

STEF POV

"Sorry, I'm late! Last minute arrest," I laugh as I had just arrived at Eddie's in La Jolla after a long ass day of work.

It was good to be back in uniform and feeling like I was contributing to society, but the shit my kids pulled this morning was still bothering me and I knew I needed to speak with Lena about the kids knowing more than we wanted about the letters. Granted, I had no idea how much they knew, and that was a conversation I was NOT looking forward to, but one that needed to happen.

"It's good to see you, Stef! You look good!" Lynn says engulfing me in a big hug as I love the large backyard my brother has soon spotting my kids chatting with their cousins. "And let me tell you, your brother may be a man of few words but he has been so excited since he saw you last night, let me tell you. And having breakfast this morning with you and your kids, that was the icing on the cake for him. I haven't seen him this happy in a long time."

I smile warmly nodding my head, for I felt very much the same. It was so good to see my brothers as I see Eddie cooking on the grill laughing and joking along with Lewis, Corey, Frankie and Jude who are carrying him more meat and sauces.

"That is nice to hear Lynn. And it's been nice to see him again too."

"So tell me, how is life with five children?" She smiles widely as I laugh. "Last time I saw you, you just had the one? Right?"

"Yeah. Um Callie. And yeah it grew from there and I gotta tell ya it's um, well, interesting? Is that how you'd describe it? I love them all so damn much, but some days I wonder if I was built for this. One day they love me the next they are rolling their eyes and I can't do a damn thing right. But, I see you raised seven, yourself! I don't know how you did," I take the glass of water as she hands it to me.

"You see this gray hair? I feel like I can finally breathe since the last two left. You remember Tommy and Sandy? Well we call her Skipper but they're my last ones at home. They're over there talking to your Callie and Stefanie." Lynn says as I glance in the direction she is pointing to see my two older girls laughing and giggling with my niece and nephew who really did get big. Christ.

"Yes, I do, and damn, they're so grown up! You gotta wonder how that happens so fast, ya know?

"I know. It's crazy."

"They drive?"

"Yes! Thank God! But it causes them to argue over the car. So, if it's not one thing it's another, right?" She laughs as I join her sipping my water but soon see Lena take a seat across from my mother on the little patio chairs.

God, she's beyond beautiful right now, dressed in a smart, navy blue dress which is riding up her leg as they are crossed. It has a low neckline, and I try to look away, but it's hard as I see her bangles and necklaces on her slender neck since she has her beautiful hair pulled up. Lord.

"Oh, yes. Yes. If you'll excuse me, Lynn, I'm gonna go talk to my...to Lena," I smile as she nods and I politely excuse myself walking over to Lena and my mother.

Lena smiles as soon as she sees me and stands to give me a big hug as I am instantly hit with her natural scent which was enough to make me dizzy. Pulling back, I stare into her eyes and know almost immediately something is up, but she tries to cover it by looking away.

"Glad to see you made it, baby! Lena and I were just chatting about the holidays and how we all need to somehow get together! Be nice to have Christmas here and fly your other brothers in!" My mother grins as she stands to her feet and brushes my arm.

"I see!" I laugh as she kisses my cheek winking at me as she heads over to my brothers before I turn back to look at Lena.

"What's up, love? I can see it all over your face, sweetheart." I say as I grab her hand as we both sit beside each other and I notice the charm I gave her around her neck, hanging close to her cleavage as I swallow hard and look back to her eyes.