An Acquired Taste

The Best Laid Plans

Author's Note: Thank you for all your support on this story.

You may notice the dates for December 2002 correspond to 2024. That's not for ease of writing—the two calendars truly correspond.

There's conflicting information available about NYPD survivor benefits. I chose to base my interpretation on information provided by the Office of New York Comptroller & the US Justice Department Bureau of Justice Statistics Annual Report from 1997 (the year of Joe's death). That report details statistical information including salaries and benefits for local jurisdictions (including New York City).

-X-

Housekeeping

I recently got a question on another site where I cross-post. I've added an addendum A/N on the Chapter 1 "preview" for clarity.

I also wanted to drop a message here to clear up any confusion. I assume if one person has a question—they aren't alone!

The first chapter (which previews how this tale ends) features three children, but only names two. You didn't miss anything! That's not an error. I've intentionally withheld revealing the name of the oldest boy until we reach that point in the story.

To clarify, the Eames-Goren clan includes:

- Oldest Son (14). Name withheld for now.

- Aiden (4)

- Frances "Frankie" (2)

- Lulu, the doggo

- Jasper, the cat

The Eames-Goren clan are a part of this story—but the main focus is on how they get there. We won't see much of the wee ones until later. I just wanted to offer a roadmap of where we're headed.

Onward we go!

-X-

Rockaways | Queens

Alex was sandwiched between her niece and nephew on the sofa. Ella was curled up against her hip. Joey was snug as a bug in a rug under his favourite fleece blanket.

They were both tuckered out from a long day at the park.

It was moments like that, when Alex could snuggle down with the kiddos and just relax when the thought of 'what if' tugged most at her heartstrings.

She was quick to remind herself that Joey had kicked her seat the whole car ride home. He would probably be up again before dawn—just as eager and loud as he had been that morning.

Ella had sobbed until she was catatonic because Joey pretended to snatch her nose. No matter what Aunt Alex said or did, she just couldn't prove to Ella her nose was, in fact, not gone forever.

Yes, Alex Eames was quick to remind herself that was very happy in her position as an aunt and not a parent. She would never have the time for her career in Major Case with children running around.

Or coffee with a hunky Canuck.

Alex chuckled and shook her head. She still wasn't sure what she'd been thinking.

She wondered if maybe it was time to put herself out there again. Perhaps Billy was new enough to the city not to be tainted yet by the New York dating scene.

Eames reminded herself that it was just coffee—and there was indication Billy was interested in anything remotely romantic.

If he even calls. She mused.