✓ [18+] THERE GOES MY EVERYTHING

XXXII.The Moment I Started Over, A Brand New Man

[A/N:] This is the final chapter before the epilogue lovelies and I'm squealing with happiness but with a pinch of sadness in my heart. I don't want it to be over but all good things must come to an end.

So enjoy this last bit and will see you in the next one where it all finally comes together ;)

Remember to vote and comment on each chapter. It brings a smile to my face and I love replying to a lot of your silly/heartfelt comments <3

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XXXII.The Moment I Started Over, A Brand New Man

"Daddy, you look really cool," JD cheers with excitement from on top of my bed.

"Yeah?" I ask with enthusiasm as I button up my khaki-colored short sleeve, admiring myself in the mirror.

"Yup. You're going to catch so many bad guys," he laughs and falls back onto the mattress with a thud.

"Well, I don't know about that son. I'm more of a pencil pusher right now," I chuckle as I adjust my Wranglers and make sure the belt is secure.

"What's a pencil pusher and why are you pushing pencils around?"

I laugh loudly, a tear coming to my eye at his question. To me it's silly but to him, he's dead serious.

"Umm, just means I won't get to see a lot of bad guys buddy. That's what happens when you're a rookie," I grin at him as I look over my shoulder.

"Rookie?" he raises his head and looks up at me with a lifted brow.

"Yeah, a rookie," I growl playfully as I pick him up from my bed and toss him over my shoulder.

He kicks his little legs and hits his fist on my back as I carry him out of my room and downstairs. Mom is waiting near the front door and whistles when I walk closer.

"Oh my, my son sure does make a handsome sheriff deputy," she winks and leans up to give me a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Mama," I smile at her and sit JD down on his feet.

He pouts, crossing his little arms over his chest and glares up at me. I know he's not done messing around but I've got to get to work. I don't need to be late on my first day.

"Later, we'll mess around later okay?" I say with assurance as I squat down in front of him and ruffle his curls on his head.

"Fine," he smiles happily and barges into my arms for a tight hug.

"Love you buddy and be good for Grandma okay?"

"Okay Daddy, have fun at work and pushing pencils," he grins and Mom looks at me questionably. I shake my head with laughter and bring him in for one last hug before I stand.

"Have a good day at work son. Love you," Mom gently pats my cheek and I lean down to kiss her temple.

"Love you too Mama."

I make sure that I have everything secured on me before I step out the door, going through a mental list in my head.

Utility belt. Check.

Gun holster. Check.

Gun secured in the holster and safely loaded. Double check.

Badge. Check.

Finally, the black Stetson that's perched on the coat rack next to the front door. Check.

I say one last farewell to my mom and JD before making my way across my front porch, down the wooden steps, and towards my brand new truck. A truck that I purchased only a few weeks ago when I finally realized that a single cab pick-up isn't suitable for a three year old and a car seat.

Now, that single cab sits next to the barn in the back that I plan on still taking care of so that one day JD can drive it. You know, keep it in the family. Dad drove it, I drove it, and my boy will too.

I drive the tens minutes it takes to get to the station and when I pull up, a swarm of butterflies makes their home in the pit of my stomach. To say I'm nervous, is an understatement.

Today I start my first job outside of the army and that's not what is freaking me out. It's the fact of who my boss is.

Even though I know things are better between us now since that night three months ago but I'm still dreading exactly what he's going to put me through as a way of payback.

I walk inside, immediately greeted by Theresa, the sweet middle-aged lady who's been working for the sheriff station for the last five years.

"Good morning deputy Daniels. You excited about your first day?" she asks with a profound smile across her face. Her eyes glisten with marvel as she looks up at me.

"Sure am," I grin as I lean my arm on the counter.

She's about to say something else when a throat clears from next to me. I look up to come face to face with blue eyes.

"Well, look who decided to finally show up," Mike grins and leans his arm on the counter, mocking my stance.

"I'm ten minutes early," I raise my brow and his grin grows wider.

"Should be fifteen kid," he reaches out and pats my arm roughly.

When he walks off, I reach up to rub my arm out behind his back. Theresa giggles to herself and gives me an encouraging wink of her eye. I wink back and she blushes as she puts her hand over her heart.

"Oh, you stop it," she teases and goes back to whatever she was doing on the computer.

"So, this is your desk," Mike points to a small table right by Theresa and I scrunch my nose as I realize it's not the same as the other three in the room.

There's one down at the end that's bigger and actually looks like a desk, right outside of the office that has Sheriff Miller etched across the front of the glass door.

"Why can't I have that one?" I jut my chin towards the desk at the end and he grins at me.

"That one is for my Chief Deputy. Hank will be retiring soon since he doesn't want to take my job next election so I'll need a new Chief then. Could be yours if you show potential," he raises his brows suggestively and I smirk at him.

Oh. It'll definitely be mine by the time Hank retires. You can fucking guarantee that.

"Now, enough gawking, you've got work to do. So, I had Earl bring you all the paperwork that needs to be recorded and filed," he cheers as an older deputy walks up with a large box full of folders.

Fuck, it's going to take me forever to finish this.

Mike laughs as I sit down with my jaw touching the ground and gives my shoulder a firm pat.

"Welcome to the team Rookie," he smiles before walking towards his office.

Yeah, this is some welcome Mike.

Well, here's to my first day of the rest of my life. The moment I start it all over and become the man I was always meant to be.