Amaris Rejected! Stone Mountain Shifters, Book 2

Chapter 30 - Baby Steps

Devon POV

I am scheduled to be in Stone Mountain City on Monday to continue with the Mate Tampering Task Force. I am taking my enforcers with me, Hill and Fillion. We have to follow up on questioning Sheila and her involvement in the mate tampering plot with Jeni.

We are currently driving down from the pack house to Sunshine Shimmer Pack where I want to stop by and visit with my family for the weekend. I backed away and gave Amaris a little space and only facetimed Devi. I believe it helped as Amaris, Devi and Minette actually moved into the house I purchased there, while we have been separated. "Baby steps." I sigh. Actually, that's a huge step!

There is a beautiful lake on the property and I plan to take Amaris on a picnic tomorrow. Then I have plans for a family outing on Sunday before I leave for Stone Mountain City Sunday night. Early Monday morning, we will be at Headquarters in the sub-level basements to question Sheila. I also plan to once and for all give Jeni a piece of my mind and sever ties completely. All things I am doing to show Amaris that she is my number one priority; her and Devi.

I pull up to the house as Devi comes running out on the porch, with Amaris right behind. Devi's face is beaming as she screams, "Daddy!" Goddess that makes me feel good. That little girl right there is my heart and soul. Amar1s is too. I just hope I can show her how much I truly mean that.

"Devi!" I sigh as I throw her in the air and catch her in my arms. "How's daddy's baby?"

She is giggling as I tickle her and swing her in the air. When I stop, she encloses my cheeks in her sweet little hands, looks in my eyes with her identical chocolate brown ones and says, "I wuv you, daddy."

Tears sting my eyes as I press her tiny frame to me and reply. "Daddy loves you too, Devi.  So much." I look up and meet Amaris's gaze and for once, I have hope. Her eyes are glimmering with tears, while her hands are clutched to her heart.

Enforcer Hill brings my bag and sets it on the porch. "We are going to go get settled at the pack house. You're staying here, right?"

I nod. Amaris speaks. "You guys are welcome to stay here. We have plenty of room."

"Thanks for the offer, but Alpha Blake wants us nearby so we can work on the cases." Hill explains.  She nods.

I enter the house with Devi still in my arms and smell a wonderful aroma. "I have dinner ready if you are hungry."

"I can eat." I grin. "Nothing would make me happier than having dinner with my family."

She tips her head and blushes. "Well, if you want to put Devi in her high chair, I'll bring the food to the table." I proceed to strap Devi in while Amaris brings a variety of bowls and platters to the table. "Mom." She calls down the hallway. "Dinner is on the table." She sits so that Devi is between us and begins preparing Devi's plate.

Minette walks into the room. "Hello, Devon." She says.

I am shocked that she knows me, the last time I saw her, she barely spoke. "Hello, Minette. How are you feeling?"

"Good. Thank you for asking." She sits, places her hands in her lap and becomes quiet, as though her capacity to talk has been filled.

"Mom and I have been working to get her acclimated to people again." Amaris volunteers.

Minette sighs nervously and nods.

"I have started her on some medications and supplements to help flush the toxins and poisons from her system." She continues. "I've got her reading and doing some games to exercise her brain.  She's learning to crochet to help with dexterity. It won't be long before she is well again. Right, mom?"

Minette looks up and holds Amaris's gaze. "That's right, darling." She smiles.

"Right, mom! Daddy!" Devi chatters away, waving her spoon in the air.

"Great!" Amaris grins. "Let's eat."

Later that evening, we all are gathered on the porch. "Devi and I are on the swing. Her head is toddling as I sway us back and forth, so I gather her closer in my arms.  Amaris and Minette are perched in rockers. We all have a nice cool glass of lemonade and a soft, warm wind is blowing across the porch.

Amaris joins us on the swing and reaches to get a sleeping Devi. "Please." I implore. "Let me hold her a while longer." She nods. "Dinner was delicious, Amaris. Thank you."

She smiles. "Thank you for helping put the leftovers away and for loading the dishwasher."

"It's part of my job." I grin. "I have to earn my keep."

She curls her legs up underneath her, lays her head back on the cushions and closes her eyes. "Mmhmm." She hums with pleasure, as I continue to swing us in a slow, methodical rhythm that is mesmerizing.

"Amaris?"

"Mmm?" She answers, not moving.

"I will be here until Sunday night."

She cracks her eyelids open and looks over at me questioningly.

"I want you and I to go on a picnic tomorrow. And, I would like for us to do a family activity with Devi and even Minette, if you want, on Sunday. Thoughts?"

"Okay." She murmurs drowsily.

"Okay?" I laugh in pleased astonishment.

She cracks open her eyes, looking at me again and nods. "Mmhmm." Closing her eyes again. she relaxes back on the cushions, sighing softly.

"Okay." I smile and nod, kissing Devi on her head. Baby steps.