Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

We Want You to Come Home

STEF POV

"Lena, I was going to tell you my love."

"In front of everyone?" She asks as we finish cleaning up from the the party. It had been a long night but a good one as everyone had left by now and Tess and Jerry were asleep along with the girls and Corey.

Julius and I still didn't make up, and Mike had shown up spending most of the night with Callie and I could tell she really was happy he was able to move here from New York. It really may have made a difference in her not being as homesick seeing that her father was here and able to spend ample time with her.  At one time in my life I never thought Mike would be someone I'd actually start to rely and depend on especially in regards to our other children who had grown to really love him as a part of our family.

"It was not in front of everyone, love. And I wanted to talk to you about it but it slipped out when we were talking to Tess and Jerry. I didn't do it on purpose. I promise, my love," I look over at her as she tosses the trash in the trashcan nearby.

"Listen, I am happy for you. You know that. But why not tell me earlier?"

"Love, listen." I say grabbing her hands as I take her plate and put it down. "I was not keeping it from you. But...look, you are not going to like where I will be working." I finally say as she looks at me confused and very concerned.

"I know you said it's not in the best area but you put in for Torrey Pines, near La Jolla. That's were you put in. Low crime. Remember?" She laughs softly as I look into her eyes.

"Yeah, babe, I know but they didn't have an opening for that area, love. They can put me in El Cajon." I say as she stares at me, letting out a sigh.

"That is...that is not a good neighborhood. Why? Why do you insist on working these types of neighborhoods, Stef? What are you trying to...to prove here?"

"Honey, I did not pick that and I'm not insistent. Come on, Len. But they don't need much patrol and cops in La Jolla. And this is what opened up."

Seeing the frustration and worry on her face I continue to hold her hand knowing she is not happy.

"Well, I won't tell you no. Because I know you...you need his. And I know being a cop is your life. SO...I will support you no matter how scared I am. But I wish it wasn't this."

"I'm sorry you married a cop." I say as she shakes her head.

"Stef..." She says as I now look over seeing Stephanie in the kitchen doorway.

"Is this a bad time? I can come back." She looks at us rather hesitantly.

"No. No, not at all, love. You ok, babe?" I ask as she nods her head walking over to the both of us. ""Yeah, you sure?"

"Yeah, I just kinda need to talk to you both."

"Sure, honey, what's on your mind?" Lena asks as Stefanie looks at the ground unable to look at either of us.

But I know what it is, and I know her parents talked to her about going home. I also know she was feeling bad about it even if she had no reason to do so.

"Come let's take a seat, babe." I say as we all sit around the table and I pull my chair closer to hers. "So does this have anything to do with your parents wanting you to come back home with them?"

"You...you knew?" She looks at me then Lena, surprised.

"Sure. They spoke to us, honey." Lena says as she reaches over to take the girl's hand in her own.

"Oh. Well I don't have to go if you don't want me to. I can...can..."

"Hey, hey now." I say grabbing her other hand and gently rubbing her face. "We do not feel badly, and neither should you, honey."