Brave Enough

Eight

"Thank you for all of your help Athena. Everything you've done. You are seriously the best," James says.

"Oh baby girl you know I'm here for you through thick or thin. Alright people are starting to arrive I've got this go and let everyone in," Athena instructs. She continues to move plates and cups around.

      Buck walks up behind her and places a hand on the small of her back. He leans into her ear and whispers, "you are so beautiful." His words make James blush. He kisses the spot just below her ear. James sucks her lower lip between her teeth. "Hi thank you for coming. Cleo is very excited."

     "Cleo, Mackenzie is here with Jamie and Lula," James calls out. "Also thank you guys for coming. I know it was kind of last minute. Things have been a bit hectic around here lately."

"Oh it's no big deal. The girls have been talking about it all week. Lula's dad is at work but he should be here shortly. Thank you for inviting us. I am Molly by the way," Jamie and Mackenzie's mother says extending her hand. James takes it and gives it a brief shake. Soon the party is in full swing and James is relaxed and enjoying her time with the people she cared about.

      "James? James!" A man calls from the gate. Athena, Buck, Bobby and a few others turn their attention in alert. But James just hops out of the pool with ease slightly annoyed and thoroughly angered. "James baby. I've missed you," he says. Buck climbs out leaving Athena in charge. His protective instinct bubbling out of him.

      "What are you doing here dad?" James asks. Buck is taken aback. "Why are you here? You couldn't be bothered to be around when I was a kid why now?"

     "James. What did your mother tell you about my leaving? I also have the right to see my child on her birthday," James steps back bumping into Buck's chest. "Yes James I'm also Cleo's father. Didn't you ever wonder?"

"Mom said you didn't want us anymore. That you didn't want the responsibility of raising a family. She told me Cleo's father was just a business man she hooked up with," James says. She opens the gate. "Are you going to take her from me? I can't lose her too," James quietly weeps.

"No baby. I've always wanted you. I wanted your mom and Cleo. But I do undercover work with the FBI. I was in and out so often your mother lied to make it easier on you so you weren't constantly asking when I was coming home. But baby I've always been there. I've been in Florida investigating a drug ring and corrupt cops. I got a call you were in the hospital," his eyes filled with sadness.

"You're the one who called Colin out to a crime scene weren't you?" He nods.

"I paid the staff not to alert him of your disappearance. Where is your mother? She hasn't been answering my calls."

"You didn't know mom died?" His eyes widen.

"When?"

"June fourteenth," James's eyes start to water.

"That's the. The day before your birthday. Baby I'm so sorry," he pulls her into his chest and lets her cry. He rubs her back trying to soothe her pain. "It's okay sweetheart. Daddy's here," he says.

"Babe are you okay?" Buck finally speaks up. "Aless?" A hand taps on Buck's shoulder making him jump. He turns to find a confused and concerned Athena. " It's okay. He won't hurt her," he whispers. Athena nods understanding.

"Aless? I'm Marcus. James's father and you are?" Marcus says.

"We call her Aless now. Because Colin has found her. We're trying to keep her safe. I'm her boyfriend Evan Buckley. I go by Buck."