The Miami Diaries Book 6

Chapter 10

Y/W: Mentions stalking, a fire, dealing with injured people and hinting at possible death.

***

Steve

It's hard to believe that Timmy's almost a year now. Well. Almost seven months, so close enough. He's such happy boy. I love coming home, seeing his face light up when he sees me.

I have to say; he's not much like his namesake. Although Tim wasn't so serious when we were kids, he was still pretty serious. That seriousness only intensified as Tim got older.

I don't think my son will be as serious as his uncle and I'm okay with that.

***
"Oh, Timmy!" Ari is holding one of Timmy's toys, zooming it around him, dive bombing it (gently) on his head. Timmy squeals happily, grinning.

"Careful, Ari," I caution her.

"I am, Daddy," Ari replies.

"Just reminded you," I add. I glance over. Lex is texting someone. I'm assuming it's..Knox.

Ever since she completely freaked out after Mom said what she said, we haven't discussed it anymore. I mean, Knox has come up in a few conversations, but I'm careful not to say too much.

At first, I still thought the main reason that Lex liked Knox so much was because of the obvious: he looks like Tim. As time goes on, however, I'm beginning to think that Lex really just likes Knox as himself.

Timmy shrieks again, only this time, he doesn't sound as happy. Instantly, Lex's phone is discarded on the couch as she hurries to collect Timmy in her arms.

"Ssh, ssh," Lex murmurs, cuddling Timmy close and carrying him over to the couch. I lean over, kissing Timmy on the cheek. He gives me a smile.

"See?" Lex tells him. "You're okay." Ari rushes over, clamoring up beside her mom, kneeling, reaching out to pat Timmy on the back.

"Is Timmy okay?" Ari asks.

"Yes, baby," Lex murmurs. "He's just tired, is all." Lex's phone chimes.

"Can you check that, Steve?" Lex asks. "It's probably Mom. I was texting her a minute ago." I grab Lex's cell, flipping it open and check the message. Sure enough, it's Shari.

"Yeah. She says she'll come by tomorrow afternoon," I report to Lex.

"All right." Lex stands, heading upstairs with Timmy. Ari trails along, 'singing' to her baby brother. I chuckle.

Lex's phone chimes again, so I check it. This time, it is Knox. Although nothing inappropriate. He's just asking Lex how things are going. I text him back, that it's me, not Lex, telling him everything is fine.

'Great!' I'll catch u later!'

'OK.' I text back. And that's the end of Knox's text messages. Lex isn't totally wrong about him. He does act polite around her and the kids. But I suppose I'll always have my reservations about him. No matter what.

****
Lex

Knox stops in for a bit while Mom's here. Luckily she doesn't seem so suspicious of Knox's intentions and they chat away easily.

I smile, watching Knox. He turns, our eyes locking. Mom notices, too, but doesn't comment. (For once.) I get a surge of protectiveness towards him. I think Knox must notice the look on my face because he asks if everything is okay.

"Yes," I say, smiling. "Everything is perfect."

***

"Something was on your mind earlier," Knox says to me just before he heads out. Mom has left already, so I think that's why Knox decided to say something to me.